Southwater Junior Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 6 June 2023

Pupils enjoy the broad and exciting curriculum that they are taught. In addition, they benefit from a wide range of activities, including sports clubs and educational visits. Each opportunity is carefully designed to help pupils to learn the curriculum and develop kindness and resilience. Pupils are polite and welcoming. They confidently talk about their successes but equally they do not shy away from reflecting on ways that they can improve. Older pupils talk positively about taking on leadership responsibilities across the school. These include being part of the 'eco team' and being 'kindness ambassadors'. As a result, pupils at Southwater Junior Academy learn much more than their taught curriculum. Pupils feel safe and valued by staff. They behave well in class and during social times. Pupils understand the school values and actively seek ways to demonstrate kindness. As a result, bullying is rare. Pupils also value the supportive relationships that they have with staff and are confident that adults will respond effectively to any concerns that they might have. Parents, carers and pupils are proud to be part of the school community. As one parent said: 'The school is extremely caring; it focuses not just on the educational needs but also well-being and wider interests.'

What the school should improve

• Pupils struggling to read are identified quickly and provided with additional support to help them to improve. However, some support provided is not yet consistently effective. This means that some pupils' gaps in knowledge and misconceptions are not being addressed. Leaders should ensure that pupils struggling to read are provided with specific support to read with fluency and understanding.

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