Robsack Wood Primary Academy, located in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, was inspected by Ofsted on March 1 and 2, 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good, reflecting its commitment to providing quality education. The inspection highlighted several strengths, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all rated as good.
Pupils at Robsack Wood Primary Academy are reported to be happy and feel safe, demonstrating eagerness to learn. They engage enthusiastically during social times, participating in various activities such as jigsaws, reading, and sports. Teachers maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, and most students meet these expectations. For those who require additional support, staff provide thoughtful assistance to help them adhere to behavioral standards. The school fosters a cooperative environment where pupils work well together, and any disagreements are addressed with adult intervention to promote resolution.
The school’s leadership, including governors and trustees, is characterized by a strong moral purpose and a passion for delivering high-quality education, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils. Leaders prioritize reading improvement, high attendance, and the well-being of both pupils and staff. Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders have successfully realigned their improvement plans.
Robsack Wood Primary Academy offers a broad curriculum, with well-organized learning in reading, mathematics, and science. Teachers are clear about the content to be taught and the expected outcomes for pupils at the end of each term. This structured approach has led to good achievement in these subjects. However, the curriculum organization in other subjects, such as languages and music, requires further development, as recent changes have not yet been fully embedded, resulting in less effective learning in these areas.
Phonics instruction begins as soon as pupils start school, with staff well-trained to teach phonics effectively. This early focus ensures that children are well-prepared for Year 1, and as they progress, they read with increasing fluency. The books provided to pupils align well with their phonics knowledge, fostering a love for reading and an interest in stories.
Teachers utilize their strong subject knowledge to help pupils grasp increasingly complex material, checking for understanding effectively. In early years, children receive a solid foundation in basic numeracy through well-structured explanations and rich language use. The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting the curriculum to meet their needs and ensuring access to external support when necessary.
Personal development provision is effective, with various incentives encouraging positive behavior. Pupils engage in personal, social, and health education, discussing relevant issues such as healthy relationships and online safety. This prepares them for life in modern Britain.
Staff at Robsack Wood Primary Academy feel valued and supported, appreciating the high-quality training and opportunities for collaboration with colleagues from other schools. Leaders promote a healthy work-life balance for staff, contributing to a positive working environment.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks to pupils. Leaders ensure that staff are well-informed about reporting concerns, maintaining detailed records and taking prompt action when necessary.
To improve further, the school must focus on organizing learning more effectively in subjects beyond reading, mathematics, and science. Leaders are already working on improvements in these areas to enhance pupil achievement across the curriculum.
