Southfield Primary School

Pros

Fantastic curriculum. Well designed and children are given lots of opportunities to flourish and learn. Lots of extra curricular activities for children to participate in. Behaviour is good and pupils are friendly and inquisitive. Good community of parents who are demanding but fair. Lots of young talented staff who are keen to grow and learn.

Cons

Negative staff culture - unsupportive and teachers talk about each other behind backs. Frequent staff turnover and work is not valued. This culture stems from leadership (the headteacher in particular). Ofsted first priority - the child's learning and safety is put second in favour of appearances to Ofsted. The current headteacher is arrogant and cruel. Pretentious attitude towards teaching and has clear favourites with staff and pupils. Openly bitches about staff, pupils and parents, only for him to turn face and be charming when next to them. Very dishonest and will rely on the deputy to do his dirty work. The deputy is talented and dedicated and will take the blame when something goes wrong. In reality the head is never in school and leaves all the work to his senior leaders. Lack of feedback is provided - I asked frequently to be observed and for feedback yet none was provided. Conversations were had behind back and thank yous or any sign of appreciation is absent. Hard to grow as an experienced teacher. Policy definitely favours ECTs for cost and naivety, ECTs contracts are then not renewed in favour of a new, cheaper bunch of staff.