Crawley Down Village C of E School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 23 and 24, 2024. The school provides a nurturing and thoughtful environment where pupils thrive. Older students serve as positive role models for younger ones, contributing to a calm and respectful atmosphere. The school's innovative 'Opal' approach to outdoor play and learning encourages pupils to share ideas and support each other's well-being. Behaviour is consistently positive, and any incidents of bullying or challenging behaviour are handled sensitively. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive skilled support tailored to their learning and emotional needs. The school promotes understanding of protected characteristics, fostering an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued.
Pupils express a strong sense of safety and happiness at the school. They appreciate their roles and responsibilities, such as being part of the 'Sports Crew' or serving as school councillors, which helps build their confidence and encourages mutual care. The school's 'High Five' values—respect, challenge, creativity, independence, and teamwork—are integral to the pupils' personal development and learning. Staff maintain high expectations for all pupils, starting from Reception, which contributes to their overall achievement.
The school excels in supporting good attendance, particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils, ensuring they benefit from a well-structured curriculum. The curriculum in core subjects, like mathematics, is designed to build knowledge effectively, with lessons revisiting prior learning to enhance vocabulary and understanding. Pupils with special educational needs receive timely assistance, and staff collaborate with external agencies when necessary to support their learning.
While the school has successfully embedded subjects like physical education, it is still refining the curriculum for some foundation subjects, such as history and art. This ongoing development aims to ensure that all pupils acquire the necessary knowledge and vocabulary, addressing any gaps that may hinder their achievement. In reading, the school employs effective phonics instruction from early years, ensuring pupils read books that match their learning stage. Staff conduct regular assessments to adapt lessons and provide support for those who may fall behind.
Pupils engage with a diverse range of ambitious texts, connecting their learning through trips and visits that enhance their understanding of historical topics. The school is also revising its approach to spelling, punctuation, and grammar, which is already positively impacting pupils' learning outcomes. Extracurricular activities, including sports and educational trips, contribute to pupils' broader development and enjoyment of school life.
Leadership and management at Crawley Down Village C of E School are strong, with leaders demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Governors effectively support and challenge the school, fostering a culture of teamwork that benefits staff well-being. The school maintains positive engagement with parents and the community, reflecting a commitment to individual pupil needs.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is focused on continuous improvement, particularly in identifying and embedding precise knowledge across all subjects to enhance pupil achievement further. Overall, Crawley Down Village C of E School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
