Boxgrove CofE Primary School, located in Chichester, West Sussex, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on June 7 and 8, 2023. The school is characterized by a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and happy. The strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a supportive atmosphere, with staff knowing each pupil exceptionally well. Parents express gratitude for the school's role in helping their children flourish. The leadership team has high ambitions for all pupils, fostering a culture of hard work and enthusiasm for learning. As a result, pupils generally achieve well across the curriculum.
The school offers a broad and engaging curriculum that is designed with the needs of all pupils in mind, starting from the early years through to Year 6. Teachers possess secure subject knowledge, which is enhanced by thorough planning. However, in a minority of subjects, there are instances where the curriculum is not adapted sufficiently to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, leading to some not achieving their full potential. Leaders are aware of this and are working to ensure that teachers have the necessary knowledge to effectively adapt their teaching strategies.
Reading is a priority at Boxgrove, with phonics being taught from the start of Reception. Although the Year 1 phonics screening check results were below the national average in 2022, current pupils are making good progress due to improvements in reading instruction. Staff are well-trained and confident in teaching phonics, and they quickly identify gaps in pupils' knowledge, providing catch-up lessons as needed.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Early identification and effective support ensure that these pupils receive the academic and emotional assistance they require to succeed. The special educational needs coordinator plays a vital role in guiding and training staff to meet the needs of these pupils effectively.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, with no low-level disruption reported. They understand the school rules and the importance of making the right choices, contributing to a positive learning environment. The school emphasizes character development, teaching pupils to be responsible and respectful individuals. The overarching values of wisdom, compassion, resilience, and respect are integrated into the curriculum, promoting an understanding of different cultures and healthy relationships.
Governors are actively involved in the school's vision and understand their statutory duties. They monitor the school's performance and are aware of the need for a higher proportion of pupils to meet age-related expectations. Staff members are proud to work at Boxgrove and feel supported and valued by the leadership team, which is mindful of their workload and well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding established. Staff are well-trained to identify pupils in need of help, and concerns are reported promptly. The designated safeguarding lead collaborates closely with families to ensure they receive the necessary support.
In summary, Boxgrove CofE Primary School provides a good quality of education in a supportive environment. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in adapting the curriculum for all pupils, the school demonstrates a commitment to high standards and the well-being of its students. The leadership team, staff, and governors work collaboratively to ensure that all pupils can thrive academically and personally.
