Ofsted conducted a short inspection of West Blatchington Primary and Nursery School on 22 January 2019, following its previous judgment of good in February 2015. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to be good. The headteacher, Ms. Rachel Simmonds, leads with energy and a strong commitment to providing the best for all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds. This commitment is reflected in the staff's high aspirations and the inclusive atmosphere appreciated by parents and carers. Observations in classrooms revealed that most pupils were engaged in their learning, including those from the specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrated a clear understanding of their learning objectives, and their work showed good progress across various subjects, including art and French.
Despite concerns regarding attendance rates, pupils expressed a strong sense of belonging and enjoyment in attending school. They eagerly anticipated moving into a new building and highlighted the friendly environment, particularly for new students. The school has addressed previous concerns regarding mathematics achievement, with outcomes now matching those in reading and writing. The leadership has effectively continued the process of self-evaluation, identifying strengths and key priorities for improvement. Disadvantaged pupils make good progress, especially in the early years and key stage 1, although their achievements in key stage 2 still lag behind their peers nationally.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with a culture prioritizing the protection of children. Staff are vigilant and well-trained, ensuring that pupils feel safe and cared for. Parents and pupils alike reported a strong sense of safety within the school environment. The curriculum is well-structured, meeting the needs of pupils and maintaining a balance of subjects. Subject leadership is established, with middle leaders actively monitoring teaching quality. Pupils enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, and benefit from trips that enhance their learning experiences.
The school promotes pupils' social and emotional development effectively, fostering a strong understanding of British values and a culture of respect and equality. While disadvantaged pupils generally perform well, their outcomes in key stage 2 still do not match those of other pupils nationally. Persistent absence remains a challenge, particularly among vulnerable groups, and leaders are encouraged to evaluate their strategies for improving attendance more effectively.
Next steps for the school include increasing the progress of disadvantaged pupils in key stage 2 to match or exceed national outcomes and reducing rates of absence, especially persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils. The inspection findings highlight the school's strengths while also identifying areas for continued focus and improvement, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
