Elm Grove Primary School in Worthing has been evaluated as a good school following its inspection on January 23 and 24, 2024. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where every child is recognized and supported, fostering a sense of community among staff, parents, and pupils. Many stakeholders describe the school as a family-like atmosphere, emphasizing the care and attention given to each individual student. Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for learning and receive the necessary support to thrive academically. The school offers a variety of opportunities to enhance pupils' experiences and develop their talents, particularly in the early years, where children flourish in a well-structured setting.
Pupils at Elm Grove Primary are noted for their politeness and consideration towards one another. They adhere to the school’s behavioral expectations, which promote readiness, safety, and respect. The positive relationships among pupils and staff contribute to a conducive learning environment, where interruptions to learning are rare, and instances of bullying are uncommon. This supportive atmosphere ensures that children feel safe and well cared for.
The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, particularly in curriculum development. The curriculum is ambitious and thoughtfully designed across early years and key stages one and two. Teachers are clear about what pupils need to learn and the sequence in which content is delivered. This clarity allows for effective teaching, especially in established subjects like English and mathematics, where teachers present new concepts clearly and assess pupils' understanding effectively. However, in some subjects where the curriculum is still developing, teaching may lack precision, leading to gaps in pupils' knowledge.
Attendance at the school is strong, with efforts made to support families and improve attendance rates. The behavior policy is well understood, and high expectations are consistently enforced by staff, resulting in calm and purposeful classrooms. Early years pupils begin learning to read as soon as they start school, with a phonics scheme that is taught effectively by trained staff. Regular assessments help identify and address gaps in reading knowledge, ensuring that pupils develop fluency.
The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is well-structured, equipping pupils with knowledge about online safety, the importance of understanding diverse faiths, and the principles of democracy. The school also provides a range of extracurricular activities, enhancing pupils' curiosity and personal development.
Leadership at Elm Grove Primary is committed to continuous improvement and providing the best education for pupils. Governors are actively involved, offering support and challenge while fulfilling their responsibilities efficiently. Staff express appreciation for leaders' efforts to address workload and support their well-being, fostering a strong sense of teamwork within the school.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all staff have the necessary subject expertise to teach the newer parts of the curriculum confidently. The school is encouraged to continue developing its assessment practices to better identify gaps in pupils' knowledge and enhance teaching effectiveness. Overall, Elm Grove Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing environment for its pupils.
