Thakeham Primary School, located in Storrington, West Sussex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 12, 2024. The school is characterized by a kind and nurturing environment where both pupils and parents feel valued and included. The staff prioritize understanding the individual needs of each pupil, fostering a sense of belonging and safety. The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the acronym CARE, emphasizes courage, ambition, respect, and enjoyment, which are integral to its behavior policy.
Pupils express a strong sense of well-being, supported by the school’s commitment to ensuring they know whom to approach with concerns. The focus on well-being is evident in various initiatives, including the unique practice in Reception where children read to the school dog, Branson. The school actively seeks pupil feedback, which has led to tangible changes, such as relocating the games shed for better visibility by staff.
Since the last inspection, significant improvements have been made to the curriculum, resulting in generally good pupil achievement. However, there remains a need for further development in subjects beyond English and mathematics to ensure all pupils can achieve similar success. The headteacher, who took on the role in April 2022, has led efforts to revamp the curriculum and enhance behavior and safeguarding procedures. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to cater to mixed-age classes, with a focus on preparing pupils for secondary education.
The school has established a well-structured curriculum across various subjects, although some gaps in knowledge persist in certain foundation subjects. Pupils sometimes struggle to recall key information that is essential for their ongoing learning. Teachers are encouraged to check pupils' retention of knowledge to ensure the curriculum is effectively learned over time. Additionally, while phonics instruction is prioritized, there are minor inconsistencies in its delivery, which can affect the speed at which pupils learn to read.
Reading is a focal point at Thakeham Primary, with a refined phonics program that generates enthusiasm among pupils. Staff are adept at identifying those who require additional support, implementing ‘keep up’ sessions promptly. The school’s library is well-organized by the ‘bookworms,’ and older pupils enjoy mentoring younger ones through reading activities.
The behavior policy has been revised, and staff work to instill three key rules that promote positive behavior. Most pupils respond well to these expectations, and the school has made concerted efforts to improve attendance by collaborating closely with families. The school also emphasizes the development of pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural awareness through its PSHE curriculum, which addresses important themes and promotes understanding of diversity.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school is encouraged to address the gaps in knowledge in some foundation subjects and to enhance the consistency of phonics instruction. Overall, Thakeham Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience, with a clear commitment to ongoing improvement and pupil well-being.
