St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 8, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Strong relationships between pupils and staff foster a supportive atmosphere, ensuring that students know they can rely on adults for help. The behavior of pupils is commendable; they are polite and respectful towards each other and adults. The school encourages older pupils to take on leadership roles, such as play leaders, which helps younger children feel supported.
The school maintains high expectations for all its pupils, promoting a culture of ambition and resilience. The values of service, teamwork, ambition, resilience, and self-control, collectively known as STARS, are integral to the school’s ethos. Pupils understand these values and how they contribute to their learning, encouraging them to persevere in their studies. The school is deeply embedded in the local community, with staff utilizing local resources to enhance learning experiences. Recent initiatives include the pupil faith team assisting a local food bank, demonstrating the school’s commitment to community service.
The curriculum has been recently strengthened to ensure it is ambitious and engaging. Staff have carefully considered the knowledge they want pupils to acquire, ensuring that learning begins in Reception and builds progressively. However, there are areas where the sequence of learning could be clearer, particularly in some subjects. Teachers deliver lessons effectively, checking pupils’ understanding before introducing new concepts. They encourage pupils to articulate their learning, which helps address misconceptions promptly. The school is particularly attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure they can learn independently.
Reading instruction is a strong point at St Mary’s. Early years pupils are taught to use phonics effectively, and reading materials are matched to their abilities. Those requiring additional support receive targeted help, allowing them to keep pace with their peers. The school fosters a love of reading, with pupils engaging with a variety of texts and participating in activities like the ‘battle of the books.’
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school. They are aware of the school rules and the consequences of their actions. The school emphasizes the importance of attendance and has established robust procedures to promote regular attendance among pupils. Personal development is prioritized, with the curriculum designed to prepare pupils for future citizenship. The STARS values, alongside British values, help pupils appreciate diversity and understand different cultures and religions.
Governors are actively involved in the school, regularly visiting to gather insights that support and challenge school leaders. Staff feel supported by leaders who are mindful of their workload. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. While the school has made significant strides, it recognizes the need for further refinement in the curriculum to enhance knowledge retention across subjects. Ensuring that all teachers have a solid understanding of the learning sequence will be crucial for supporting pupils’ gradual knowledge development. Overall, St Mary’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational experience for its pupils.
