Danehill Church of England Primary School, located in East Sussex, has been inspected and continues to be rated as a good school. The inspection, conducted on June 12, 2024, revealed that while the overall judgment remains unchanged, there are indications that the school may not achieve the same rating if a graded inspection were to occur now. The next inspection will be a graded one, which will provide a more definitive assessment of the school's performance.
Pupils at Danehill are described as happy, confident, and enthusiastic learners. The school fosters a friendly and welcoming environment where relationships among students and staff are warm and supportive. Staff members are ambitious for their pupils, encouraging them to strive for their best. Celebrating pupils' successes and interests is a key aspect of the school's culture. However, the report notes that pupils' achievements vary across subjects due to a lack of logical progression in the curriculum, which affects their overall learning potential.
The curriculum at Danehill includes meaningful experiences, such as outdoor woodland learning and community engagement, which pupils enjoy. Playtimes are filled with opportunities for exploration and social interaction, promoting kindness and mutual respect among students. Generally, pupils behave well and engage positively with one another.
While the school aims to provide an enjoyable and engaging curriculum, it has not sufficiently structured the knowledge to be taught in a coherent order. This has resulted in gaps in pupils' learning, as their knowledge does not build effectively over time. Staff recognize the need for a more rigorous approach to ensure that pupils develop their understanding in a well-sequenced manner that aligns with national curriculum expectations. Although efforts to improve the curriculum have begun, further work is necessary to ensure that key content is effectively planned and taught.
In terms of early reading, the school has made significant progress. Phonics is taught systematically, and pupils learn to read quickly and effectively. Support is provided for those who struggle, ensuring they can catch up. Reading is prioritized across the school, with older pupils participating in book club sessions that foster rich discussions about literature.
Assessment practices vary across subjects. In English and mathematics, there are clear systems in place to check pupils' understanding, which helps inform next steps in learning. However, in other subjects, assessment practices are less effective, leading to missed opportunities for building on prior knowledge. The school provides a range of personal development opportunities, including training for play leaders and peer mediators, which helps pupils learn about themselves and others.
Despite the positive aspects, attendance remains a concern, with too many pupils not attending regularly. The school is working with parents to improve this situation, and there is evidence that these efforts are beginning to have an impact. Parents express positive views about the school, appreciating the caring atmosphere and describing their children as flourishing.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for the school to improve its curriculum planning and assessment practices to ensure that all pupils build their knowledge effectively over time. Additionally, the school must continue its efforts to enhance attendance among pupils who do not attend regularly, as this impacts their learning experience. Overall, while Danehill Church of England Primary School demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement that need to be addressed to maintain and enhance its good standing in the future.
