Schools in Portsmouth and Hampshire: Southbourne Infant School rated good in recent Ofsted inspection

Southbourne Infant School, located in New Road, Emsworth, has been rated good by Ofsted following its recent inspection which took place on September 19 and 20.

The report found that pupils ‘treat each other with kindness, which is modelled by adults every day’ and ‘relationships are positive’.

The report says: “The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported so they thrive. Staff use their speech and language expertise to help children make a wonderful start in early years. Pupils with SEND enjoy independence, choosing equipment to help them achieve well alongside their peers.

"The school has introduced a new phonics programme and has ensured that all staff are well trained. Parents appreciate the phonics and reading workshops, which help them to support their children at home.”

The inspection outlined that the school ensures that the behaviour of pupils is good so that learning time is ‘never lost’ and the school promotes wider learning by taking pupils on trips.

The safeguarding measures at the school are effective and there is a strong culture of keeping pupils and staff safe.

The report added: “Diverse experiences enrich pupils’ learning about faiths and cultures. These include a Diwali workshop, a Chinese New Year celebration and visits from the local church pastor. Pupils learn about different types of families and relationships to understand modern Britain. Work on friendships has helped pupils learn how to resolve differences if they fall out.

"Governors support and challenge the school and fulfil their duties with diligence. Leaders, including governors, collaborate superbly to support staff workload and well-being. Staff morale is impressive and buoyant. Everyone is proud and happy to work in this delightful school.”

The Ofsted found that there are some areas for improvement and the report said that ‘additional support for some pupils who most need to improve their reading is not consistently strong’ which means that ‘a few pupils are not developing into fluent readers quickly enough.’

Overall, the school has been described as ‘delightful’ and has maintained its rating of good with Ofsted.

To view the report, click here.