Southsea Infant School described as 'welcoming and friendly' in report with areas for improvement noted
An infant school has been inspected by Ofsted
Positive relationships are forged at an infant school where care and kindness is at its core.
Southsea Infant School, in Collingwood Road, has been described as a “welcoming and friendly” place where children receive a good start to their education following an inspection on June 23.
The published report highlighted the school is working at the expected standard in most areas, while achievement and curriculum and teaching were judged to “need attention”.
Ofsted said: “Most pupils attend school regularly. Leaders promote the benefits of high attendance and take appropriate action to help families achieve this should they need it. The school's pastoral team provides personalised advice and support.
“Leaders ensure that staff apply the school’s behaviour procedures in a consistent way. Positive relationships between staff and pupils are based on kindness and care. Pupils are supported to consider the impact of their behaviour on others.”
Early years students are nurtured and emotionally secure, with the curriculum preparing them for Year 1. The setting is rich with resources and opportunities for children so they can apply and build their knowledge, with teachers prioritising language and communication.
The inspection also revealed there are strengthened systems in place so staff can identify specific needs of pupils. It added: “Pupils' needs are known well and used to carefully shape the curriculum and teaching they experience. This attention to detail allows 'Starfish' pupils to make progress from their starting points. Leaders ensure that these pupils are a full part of the inclusive school community.”
Councillor Nick Dorrington, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: "We know how important a welcoming and nurturing school environment is for our new learners, so I'm very pleased to see the positive results and kind approaches reflected in the Ofsted results for two of our infant schools, well done to all involved."
However, the inspection found that “pupils do not achieve consistently well across subjects”, with too many pupils failing to pass the phonics screening check at the end of Year 1. Ofsted said this leaves some pupils with gaps in reading fluency and comprehension. There is also “variability in the quality of teaching in some areas” and tasks within lessons should be chosen so pupils achieve the curriculum aims.
Safeguarding measures are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping children safe.