Blackboys Church of England Primary School, located in East Sussex, was inspected on November 14-15, 2019, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school is characterized by a strong sense of community and Christian values, which are integral to its ethos. Pupils express happiness in their school environment, feeling a sense of belonging and contribution to the school’s culture. The relationships between staff and pupils are nurturing, fostering a compassionate atmosphere where students thrive.
Pupils demonstrate a keen interest in learning, actively engaging in lessons and showing eagerness to acquire new knowledge and skills. The school offers a dynamic curriculum enriched by various activities, including educational trips and special projects. During the inspection, pupils participated in diverse experiences, such as visiting historical sites and engaging in community service projects. The school promotes positive behavior, with pupils reporting minimal incidents of bullying and enjoying their social interactions.
The school’s motto emphasizes personal growth and fulfillment, and this vision is shared by the entire school community, including governors. Leaders are committed to ensuring that every pupil has a positive and successful educational experience. The curriculum is broad and interesting, with a focus on improving writing and grammar skills, which has yielded positive outcomes. Pupils achieve high standards, particularly in mathematics, preparing them well for future educational stages.
However, the school recognizes the need to enhance the teaching of foundation subjects. There are inconsistencies in teachers’ subject knowledge and the sequencing of lesson plans in these areas. Leaders are working to develop subject leaders’ expertise to improve curriculum delivery. Reading is prioritized, with effective phonics instruction in place. Some staff may benefit from additional training to further enhance their teaching skills in this area. The school has consistently high outcomes in the Year 1 phonics screening check.
The early years provision is strong, with children feeling settled and happy in Reception. Staff collaborate closely with families to support children’s learning, providing engaging resources and activities. Children exhibit politeness and respect, and staff maintain high expectations for behavior. Attendance rates are improving, with pupils eager to attend school.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports and leadership roles within the school. The headteacher and governors are recognized for their integrity and commitment to the school community, fostering an environment where staff feel valued and heard.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff well-trained to identify and address any concerns regarding pupil safety. The school maintains a secure environment, ensuring that all adults working with children undergo necessary checks. Parents express confidence in the safety of their children at the school.
To improve further, the school aims to enhance the coherence of the curriculum in foundation subjects, ensuring that knowledge is sequenced effectively. Subject leaders need to develop a deeper understanding of their subjects to monitor and improve teaching quality. Additionally, further training in phonics instruction is necessary to ensure that all pupils receive the best possible start in reading. Overall, Blackboys Church of England Primary School provides a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils, with a clear commitment to continuous improvement.
