The Globe Primary Academy, located in Lancing, West Sussex, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. Pupils express a strong sense of belonging and appreciation for the inclusive and nurturing environment fostered by the school. They describe it as a kind place where everyone is included and supported, particularly when mistakes are made. The school emphasizes core values such as resilience, aspiration, responsibility, and enjoyment, which are instilled from early years. When pupils face challenges in demonstrating these values, they receive the necessary support to improve their behavior. Positive behavior is acknowledged through a reward system, and instances of bullying are rare, with pupils confident in the staff's response to any reported issues.
The school leadership maintains high expectations for all students and has made significant adjustments to the curriculum to ensure that every pupil receives the support needed to succeed. Most students exhibit positive attitudes towards reading and learning. The presence of a swimming pool on-site allows for regular swimming lessons, and a variety of extracurricular clubs, including performing arts and sports, enrich the students' experiences.
While the school offers a broad and engaging curriculum, leaders have identified areas for further development, particularly in strengthening the curriculum in certain subjects following the pandemic. Progress has been made in subjects like mathematics, where the curriculum is designed with the needs of all pupils in mind, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and effectively check pupils' understanding, leading to improved achievement.
However, the development of other subjects is still in progress, with some areas requiring refinement. For instance, in design technology, there is a need for clearer guidance on the technical skills pupils should acquire. Additionally, some foundation subjects lack the same level of planning, which can result in less ambitious work for pupils. The school has prioritized vocabulary development from the start of Reception, ensuring that language acquisition is a key focus.
Reading is highly valued at the school, with older pupils discussing their favorite books knowledgeably. The selection of books supports the wider curriculum, helping pupils understand important social issues. Despite recent training in phonics, there is recognition that further work is needed to enhance early reading instruction and ensure all pupils become proficient readers.
Low-level disruption is uncommon, although routines for younger pupils require ongoing attention, partly due to the pandemic's impact. Leaders are committed to early identification of special educational needs and provide emotional and well-being support to help pupils thrive. The school has developed a coherent personal development program, including a structured curriculum for personal, social, and health education.
The executive leaders of the multi-academy trust provide strong support to the school leaders, and the governing board is actively involved in oversight. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to identify and respond to pupils in need of help. The school promotes online safety and ensures pupils know how to seek assistance when necessary.
To improve, the school must ensure that pupils struggling with reading receive consistent support from knowledgeable staff and sufficient practice with decodable books. Additionally, the curriculum in some foundation subjects needs further refinement to ensure clear progress and high standards in pupils' work. Overall, The Globe Primary Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
