South Wonston Primary School, Winchester

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are safe and happy. Pupils know the school's values of 'Be ready, be safe, be kind' and talk confidently about how these are celebrated through rewards and weekly celebration assemblies. A significant number of pupils come from families who work in the armed forces who join or leave the school periodically. However, pupils develop a sense of belonging quickly and are nurtured thoughtfully. Celebration events such as Armed Forces Day and visiting speakers are used to help pupils forge close links to the community successfully. In classrooms and on the playground, pupils are calm and orderly. Behaviour is positive throughout the school. If some pupils find self-control more challenging, the headteacher leads by example in managing this sensitively. The school is proactive and determined in implementing recent changes to the behaviour management policy.

Staff have high expectations for pupils' learning. By the end of key stage 2, pupils achieve consistently high standards in reading and mathematics but less strongly in writing. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn effectively. The school has a forensic approach to supporting pupils' positive attendance and works with pupils who may be at risk of lower attendance closely, with notable impact. Consequently, pupils attend school regularly and punctually.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school is ambitious for all pupils across the curriculum. This begins in Reception, where staff create a vibrant and enchanting learning environment that builds children's knowledge and vocabulary effectively. Children in the early years are confident and independent. They sing songs, take turns, and play together happily. Early years staff have expert subject knowledge and help pupils to learn strongly. Where necessary, staff work closely with external agencies to help remove barriers to learning for pupils with SEND. Disadvantaged pupils' needs are considered in carefully planned ways. Staff adapt the curriculum well and then check what children have learned to adjust their provision adeptly. Personal, social and emotional development is taught excellently.

Across the school, most aspects of core and foundation subjects are taught effectively. The school has identified the precise knowledge and skills that they want pupils to learn. In most classes, staff have effective subject knowledge. In subjects such as history, teachers use their subject knowledge to present information clearly and build pupils' learning within lessons and over time. In geography, for example, staff teach about interpreting maps and making comparisons of different places effectively. Most staff are confident in responding to pupils' errors and misconceptions meaningfully.

Quality of education, Behaviour & attitudes, Personal development, Leadership & management, Early years.

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