South Wonston Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 June 2024

Pupils are safe and happy. Pupils know the school's values of 'Be ready, be safe, be kind' and talk confidently about how these are celebrated through rewards and weekly celebration assemblies. A significant number of pupils come from families who work in the armed forces who join or leave the school periodically. However, pupils develop a sense of belonging quickly and are nurtured thoughtfully. Celebration events such as Armed Forces Day and visiting speakers are used to help pupils forge close links to the community successfully. In classrooms and on the playground, pupils are calm and orderly. Behaviour is positive throughout the school. If some pupils find self-control more challenging, the headteacher leads by example in managing this sensitively. The school is proactive and determined in implementing recent changes to the behaviour management policy. Staff have high expectations for pupils' learning. By the end of key stage 2, pupils achieve consistently high standards in reading and mathematics but less strongly in writing. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn effectively. The school has a forensic approach to supporting pupils' positive attendance and works with pupils who may be at risk of lower attendance closely, with notable impact. Consequently, pupils attend school regularly and punctually.

What the school should improve

• The curriculum has been redeveloped recently. In some foundation subjects, new approaches are not taught as consistently well across the staff team, and some aspects do not have the full impact on pupils' learning that is intended. The school must provide appropriate staff straining and development and ensure that the full curriculum is implemented effectively to help all pupils achieve highly.
• Writing outcomes are not as strong as they could be across the curriculum, particularly in key stage 1. Some pupils do not have deep enough knowledge and understanding and do not apply their learning in writing as securely as they could. The school should further develop its approach to teaching writing to ensure that all pupils are prepared for their next stage of education as well as they can be.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)