Southtown Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where leaders have taken action to address key priorities since the headteacher’s appointment, resulting in improved behaviour and a more coherent curriculum. However, pupils have not achieved as well as they should over time, with outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics consistently below national averages. The inspection identifies that while progress is being made, further work is needed to secure high-quality teaching and improve attendance.

Strengths

• The early years provision is effective, with an "ambitious, broad and well sequenced" curriculum that prepares children well for Year 1.
• Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring barriers to learning are removed early through a "clear and consistent approach".
• Personal development is well planned, with pupils learning confidently about healthy lifestyles, mental health, and British values.
• Staff form positive relationships with pupils, and behaviour is typically "positive, calm and respectful".
• The trust provides effective support and challenge, helping to reduce staff workload and build confidence.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should secure greater consistency in high-quality teaching, particularly in writing and mathematics, so that pupils achieve well by the end of key stage 2.
• Leaders should ensure staff use assessment information effectively to identify gaps in knowledge and address misconceptions.
• Leaders should strengthen attendance procedures to reduce persistent absence and ensure pupils do not miss essential learning time.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed, ensuring pupils feel safe.