Glenleigh Park Primary Academy, located in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, has recently undergone an inspection on December 13 and 14, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The headteacher, Laylee Pocock, leads the school, which is part of the Aurora Academies Trust, overseen by CEO James Freeston and a board of trustees chaired by Martha Burnige. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive community ethos, characterized by strong relationships among staff, pupils, and parents. Parents express a sense of belonging, with one stating that Glenleigh Park feels like a family. This supportive environment enables staff to effectively assist pupils in their learning and development.
Pupils take pride in their school and respond positively to the high expectations set by staff. They appreciate the recognition they receive for their achievements, such as 'star of the week' and 'millionaire reader' awards. The school promotes a culture of respect and politeness, with pupils demonstrating good behaviour towards each other and staff. Older pupils have opportunities to take on responsibilities through various roles, which helps develop their leadership skills. Staff are dedicated to the well-being of pupils, providing tailored support to help them thrive. The presence of a school dog, Maeve, adds to the nurturing atmosphere, and staff teach pupils to manage their emotions, fostering self-assurance and confidence.
The school is committed to ensuring that all pupils reach their full potential, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is well-structured and designed to build knowledge and skills progressively from early years onwards. Staff identify additional needs early and provide timely support to prevent any learning gaps. However, leaders acknowledge that in some recently developed subjects, teaching consistency needs improvement to enhance pupil achievement. Some lesson activities may not fully engage pupils in the intended content, making it challenging for them to connect and apply their knowledge effectively. The school is actively working on professional development for staff to improve teaching consistency across the curriculum.
Reading is a priority at Glenleigh Park, with regular assessments of pupils' progress. The school fosters a love for reading through daily sessions and access to a variety of high-quality books. From nursery onwards, children engage with phonics and storytelling, with tailored support for those who need it. Pupils express enthusiasm for their reading experiences and the rewards associated with their efforts.
The school emphasizes the importance of regular attendance and employs various strategies to engage families in supporting this goal. While attendance is improving, there remains a small number of pupils who miss school frequently, which can hinder their learning progress. The personal development curriculum effectively teaches pupils about diversity and equality, fostering respectful attitudes and an understanding of complex social issues. Pupils feel a sense of belonging and are proud to contribute to their school community.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is focused on continuous improvement, particularly in ensuring that the curriculum is consistently implemented across all subjects. Monitoring the impact of curriculum changes is essential to secure long-term knowledge retention for all pupils, including those in early years. Overall, Glenleigh Park Primary Academy provides a supportive and effective educational experience for its pupils, with a strong commitment to their personal and academic development.
