Manor Field Primary School, located in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, underwent an inspection on April 5 and 6, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, while the quality of education, personal development, and early years provision were rated as good. However, behaviour and attitudes, as well as leadership and management, were identified as areas needing improvement. The school has a history of requiring improvement, as noted in the previous inspection in May 2021.
Pupils at Manor Field Primary School express enjoyment in their school experience and feel safe. Parents have noted that teachers care about the children and understand their individual needs. Students appreciate the opportunities to develop their talents and interests, particularly through fundraising for charities and leadership roles. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, with a wide range of topics that encourage pupils to discuss their learning and the books they read.
While leaders have high expectations for behaviour, not all pupils consistently demonstrate positive attitudes towards their learning. Low-level disruptions in key stage two lessons have been observed, impacting the learning environment. Pupils feel that staff take bullying seriously and are confident in the measures taken to prevent it. The school promotes an understanding of tolerance and diversity, but there is a need for more consistent approaches to support inclusivity and respect among all pupils.
The school has made notable improvements in its curriculum, with high expectations for staff to deliver ambitious content that builds on pupils' prior knowledge. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge and employ effective strategies to enhance understanding, particularly in mathematics. Pupils are able to articulate connections between different subjects, showcasing their understanding of the curriculum's interdisciplinary nature.
Leaders have high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Effective strategies are employed to support these pupils, ensuring they can access the curriculum and achieve well. The newly appointed special educational needs coordinator has plans to further tailor support to meet individual needs.
In the early years foundation stage, children receive strong support from knowledgeable adults, with a focus on prioritizing reading. Regular assessments ensure that pupils who require additional help receive timely support. The structured routines in Reception classes foster confidence and independence among children.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in communicating and implementing clear expectations for positive behaviour across all areas. While many pupils exhibit respectful interactions, inconsistent behaviour management approaches have been noted. Some older pupils reported instances of derogatory language, indicating a need for further action to ensure all students understand the implications of their language choices.
Staff appreciate the professional development opportunities provided and recognize the support from the local governing body. However, many governors are new to their roles and lack a comprehensive understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They are encouraged to establish structures for monitoring and reviewing the school's progress.
The safeguarding arrangements at Manor Field Primary School are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns promptly. Leaders respond swiftly to ensure that pupils at risk receive necessary support. Pupils are aware of how to stay safe and know they can approach trusted adults with any worries. However, there are minor weaknesses in the documentation of safeguarding actions, which leaders acknowledge need improvement.
To enhance the school's effectiveness, leaders must address low-level disruptions in classrooms by clearly defining acceptable behaviour and ensuring consistent management approaches. The governing body should develop a detailed understanding of the school's strengths and improvement priorities. Additionally, safeguarding and behaviour records require more thorough documentation to clarify actions taken in response to incidents.
