Felbridge Primary School, located in Felbridge, East Grinstead, West Sussex, has been evaluated positively in its recent inspection, receiving an overall effectiveness rating of good. The inspection took place on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2022, and the school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in October 2019. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Felbridge Primary School report feeling happy and safe in a nurturing and friendly environment. The school fosters strong relationships among students, promoting harmony and minimizing conflicts. Any potential bullying is swiftly addressed by staff, contributing to a calm and orderly atmosphere focused on learning. The school emphasizes high expectations for both academic performance and behavior, encouraging students to strive for excellence.
The school has established a strong connection with the local community, integrating local history and activities into the curriculum. Events such as history week involve collaboration with local organizations, and there are numerous opportunities for students to participate in clubs and sports, promoting healthy lifestyles. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school, appreciating the supportive atmosphere and the leadership provided by the headteacher and staff.
Leaders have effectively strengthened the educational provision since the last inspection, resulting in a well-structured and ambitious curriculum. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive timely support, ensuring they can access the full curriculum. The headteacher and leadership team enjoy the confidence of governors, staff, and parents, fostering a positive school culture.
The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively, starting from early years. In subjects like mathematics, the curriculum has been in place long enough to demonstrate positive outcomes in student work, including for those with special educational needs. However, in more recently developed subjects, leaders have not yet fully assessed the effectiveness of the curriculum in helping students retain knowledge over time.
Staff benefit from a structured professional development program that enhances their subject knowledge and teaching skills. They engage in various training initiatives and collaborate with other schools to share best practices. Staff morale is high, and they appreciate the support from leaders regarding workload management.
Reading is a central focus of the curriculum, with daily phonics instruction starting in Reception. This approach has proven effective, as students learn to read quickly and confidently. Regular assessments help identify any gaps in knowledge, allowing for timely interventions. Pupils show enthusiasm for reading, participating in initiatives like a reading raffle and enjoying visits to the school library.
Overall, pupils demonstrate good behavior in class, engaging actively with their learning and following instructions promptly. The curriculum also promotes understanding of personal and social issues, fostering curiosity and inclusivity among students. Trips and visits are being reintroduced post-pandemic to enhance students' understanding of diversity in modern Britain.
Governance at the school is effective, with governors maintaining high ambitions for the school and ensuring they receive accurate information from leaders. They provide both support and challenge to drive improvement.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who can identify and respond to concerns promptly. The curriculum includes lessons on safety, ensuring pupils are well-informed about how to keep themselves safe in various situations.
To further improve, leaders need to evaluate the effectiveness of the recently developed subjects to ensure they are meeting educational goals. Continued support for subject leaders will be essential as the curriculum continues to embed across the school.
