Saltdean Primary School, located in Brighton, East Sussex, has recently undergone an inspection on April 16 and 17, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging. Staff members are dedicated to knowing their pupils and families well, creating a nurturing community atmosphere. The school has high aspirations for all students, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that includes enriching experiences and visits.
While the school is addressing some underachievement in a few subjects, most pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and achieve well, aligning with the school’s mission to nurture lifelong learners. Behaviour is commendable, with pupils adhering to high expectations and displaying good attitudes towards their education. This positive behaviour is evident from the early years, where children exhibit self-control and attentiveness. Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing that adults are available to assist them when needed.
The school provides a rich array of personal development opportunities, including leadership roles and various clubs that promote skills and interests. The curriculum is well-structured, with clear guidance for teachers on essential knowledge and vocabulary. Teachers effectively present information and engage pupils through thought-provoking questions, enhancing their understanding. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the assessment practices of certain subjects, which may lead to gaps in pupils’ knowledge not being identified.
In mathematics and writing, the curriculum requires further development. Pupils need more practice to achieve fluency in mathematics, and the writing curriculum has previously lacked opportunities for pupils to develop their writing skills fully. Recent efforts to address these issues are showing promise, with pupils now having more chances to write across various genres, leading to improved skills.
The phonics curriculum is well-designed and effectively taught, enabling pupils to become proficient readers. A culture of reading is evident throughout the school, with pupils engaging with a wide range of texts. The school is proactive in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum and achieve well.
Behaviour across the school is very good, with clear expectations understood by all pupils. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful, contributing to a focused learning environment. The school promotes high attendance and works diligently to maintain it. The personal development initiatives are a notable strength, with pupils taking on leadership roles and engaging in activities that foster responsibility and self-esteem.
Governors are well-informed about the school and hold leaders accountable for their performance. Parents express strong support for the school, appreciating its role in the community. Staff feel valued, and leaders are mindful of their workload. However, there is some inconsistency in how middle leaders monitor the curriculum's delivery across subjects.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school needs to enhance monitoring routines to identify areas needing improvement in the curriculum more effectively. Additionally, ensuring that staff develop the necessary expertise to help pupils retain important knowledge and skills over time is essential for consistent learning outcomes. Overall, Saltdean Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
