Swanmore Church of England Aided Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 May 2023

Leaders ensure that the school's values of honesty, charity and respect are simple, understood and followed by everyone. Leaders encourage pupils to reflect on their own lives and how to make a positive impact on others and the world around them. This deeper spiritual reflection develops through pupils' learning. For example, the librarian wants pupils 'to see the joy of reading and the doors it opens, as opposed to it simply being a thing you have to learn.' All members of staff expect pupils to behave and make the school a great place to learn. To encourage a sense of calmness and to foster taking responsibility, pupils look after guinea pigs, chickens, a therapy dog and fish with affection. Pupils rightly show a fondness for the education and experience they receive. They enjoy a variety of clubs, and everyone gets a chance to take part. Pupils appreciate the support that staff members give them. They also appreciate activities such as the thoughtfully planned 'hook days' at the start of a unit of learning and residential trips where pupils overcome challenges and fears. This ensures that, by the time they leave the school, pupils are ready for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, staff do not systematically use the information about how well pupils have learned the curriculum to plan what to teach next. As a result, not all pupils achieve as well as they could. Leaders should ensure that teachers use the assessment information they gather to plan future learning opportunities more precisely.

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