Southey Green Nursery & Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Pupils benefit from learning in a calm, welcoming environment. From the early years onwards, staff establish routines and expectations that support pupils to settle quickly and feel happy and safe in school. Staff know pupils well and treat pupils as individuals. Staff have high expectations for pupils’ achievement. Staff identify and remove potential barriers to learning for pupils. Most pupils achieve well. They make secure progress through the curriculum from their varied starting points, particularly in English and mathematics. The school has implemented consistent approaches to managing behaviour. Staff across the school understand these and apply them effectively. Consequently, pupils behave well in lessons and during social times. Pupils say that bullying sometimes happens but they are confident that adults will resolve it quickly. Most pupils attend well. The school’s strategies to improve attendance are having a positive impact. However, there are still some pupils who do not attend school regularly enough. Leaders prioritise forming positive relationships with families. They regularly welcome parents and carers into school. This includes, for example, inviting parents to the daily breakfast club or to stay with their children in the Nursery Year until they settle. Pupils participate in a range of activities that broaden their talents and interests. The ‘Southey Super 6’ provides a well-planned programme of experiences for all year groups, such as visiting the local fire station when learning about the Great Fire of London. Pupils value the extensive range of after-school clubs, including gardening, sports clubs and knitting. These help them to develop new skills and knowledge. Pupils know they can suggest clubs and that leaders will take their ideas seriously. Some pupils take on leadership roles, such as school councillors or ambassadors. These enable them to contribute meaningfully to school life.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to take action to identify and tackle barriers to attendance to reduce the number of pupils who are persistently absent. • Leaders should ensure that all staff use the school's teaching and learning principles effectively so that the curriculum is consistently taught well across all subjects and year groups. • Leaders should continue to refine the approach to assessment in the foundation subjects to support pupils to develop detailed knowledge and skills across the curriculum. • Leaders should further develop pupils' understanding of fundamental British values, the protected characteristics and different faiths to ensure that they are very well prepared for life beyond school.

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