Southbourne Junior School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 June 2023

Pupils are happy at this school. Leaders ensure staff take the time to get to know pupils. This helps pupils to feel individually supported. They thoughtfully appreciate that, sometimes, their classmates may need some additional support. This understanding means that pupils respect each other's differences. They trust adults to teach them and look after them. Pupils say that their kind and caring teachers are a strength of the school. Leaders have high and consistent expectations of pupils. Staff provide pupils with space to reflect and learn about why good behaviour is important. Because of this, pupils' behaviour is calm and focused throughout the school. In lessons, pupils work well individually, in pairs and in groups. Pupils are friendly and welcoming. They take a keen interest in each other's thoughts and ideas. Pupils relish the different positions of responsibility they are offered. They actively support the school council and other committees. Sports leaders organise activities at lunchtime for other pupils. This helps pupils feel included, and part of their community. When playing in the outdoor spaces and on play equipment, pupils are sensible. They follow the rules and are proud that they can be trusted to do this.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, leaders have not yet identified the precise knowledge and skills they want pupils to learn. Consequently, teachers are not able to precisely teach and then check on what has been learned. This means that pupils can have some gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Leaders should ensure that the knowledge and skills are precisely identified, taught and then checked in every subject across the curriculum.

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