Georgian Gardens Community Primary School in Rustington, West Sussex, underwent an inspection on March 1 and 2, 2022, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. Pupils at the school express high levels of happiness and feel included and treated fairly. They understand the school rules and feel safe, confident that staff will address any concerns they may have. The headteacher, who has been in position since 2018, has established high expectations for all pupils, which staff now understand and implement.
In the early years, children in Reception quickly adapt to classroom routines, demonstrating attentiveness and eagerness to participate. Older pupils exhibit calm and settled behavior, showing a desire to succeed in their learning. The school fosters a culture of kindness and consideration among pupils, who believe that any reported bullying will be addressed promptly. Parents appreciate the dedication of the headteacher and staff to the welfare and education of their children, particularly in supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school’s inclusive approach is a key aspect of its ethos.
Since 2018, school leaders have prioritized enhancing the quality of education. They have implemented a broad and balanced curriculum and focused on developing teachers' expertise, especially in mathematics and English. A new mathematics curriculum was introduced in September 2019, and staff have collaborated to break down the curriculum into manageable learning segments. Additional support is provided to pupils who fall behind, ensuring they can catch up effectively. The phonics program introduced in September 2021 has also been well-received, with staff trained to support phonics instruction.
The reading curriculum has been carefully developed, with staff receiving training to enhance their understanding of children's literature. Leaders have begun to establish a core of high-quality texts for all year groups to strengthen reading and writing instruction. The school has introduced new curriculums for foundation subjects, aiming to equip all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, with the necessary knowledge and skills for success. However, leaders acknowledge that not all subjects are coherently planned and sequenced, and they have plans to address this.
Leaders have also prioritized the personal development of pupils, assessing their emotional well-being twice a year. Pupils value the diverse opportunities provided by the school, including participation in sports and leadership roles. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to identify at-risk pupils and ensure they receive appropriate support. The school maintains strong relationships with families while prioritizing safeguarding responsibilities.
Despite the positive developments, the school faces challenges with persistent absenteeism and recognizes the need to improve attendance among certain families. Additionally, while the phonics program has been implemented, not all staff possess the expertise to support struggling readers effectively. Leaders are aware of the need for further training to ensure all pupils receive the necessary support to develop their reading skills. The sequencing of the English curriculum also requires further development to ensure pupils engage with increasingly complex texts across various genres. Overall, Georgian Gardens Community Primary School has made commendable progress, but continued efforts are needed to address these areas for improvement.
