St Andrew's CofE (Aided) Primary School in Hove recently underwent a short inspection by Ofsted, marking the first review since being rated as 'good' in March 2015. The findings from this inspection reaffirmed the school's continued commitment to maintaining a good quality of education.
Under the leadership of Headteacher Mrs. Sophie Thomas, the school has effectively managed its growth, with an additional class added to most year groups in recent years. Mrs. Thomas, who joined in January 2019, has brought renewed energy and focus to the staff, motivating them to address areas needing improvement while celebrating the school's strengths.
Pupils at St Andrew's are enthusiastic about their learning, enjoying strong relationships with teachers and peers. Parents have expressed overwhelming support for the school's nurturing ethos, highlighting the encouragement their children receive and the diverse opportunities available, particularly in sports and music.
The leadership team has maintained a keen focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning, with plans in place to ensure a consistently high standard of education. The school is actively working to reverse a decline in pupil outcomes at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2, particularly in English and mathematics.
Children in Reception classes are making good progress, benefiting from well-resourced environments that foster independence and exploration. Parents have praised the gains their children are making and the effective support provided by teachers.
The majority of pupils are making strong progress, with learning activities designed to develop critical thinking and articulate ideas effectively. Teachers provide targeted support to help pupils who struggle with basic skills in numeracy and literacy catch up quickly.
Safeguarding measures at St Andrew's are robust, with a dedicated team ensuring the well-being of all pupils, particularly the vulnerable. The school's caring ethos fosters a supportive environment where pupils feel safe and valued.
While there has been a historical weakness in mathematics outcomes compared to reading and writing, new teaching approaches are making a positive impact. The school effectively utilizes additional funding to support disadvantaged pupils, ensuring they receive necessary pastoral and learning support.
To further enhance teaching and learning, the inspection report recommends that all teachers possess strong subject knowledge, particularly in English and mathematics. Learning activities should build upon pupils' existing knowledge, and all groups of pupils should make consistent progress.
Overall, the Ofsted inspection reaffirmed St Andrew's CofE (Aided) Primary School as a good educational institution with a strong leadership team committed to continuous improvement. The school's nurturing environment, focus on pupil well-being, and dedication to enhancing educational outcomes position it well for future success. The community can look forward to the ongoing development of the school as it strives to provide the best possible education for its pupils.
