The Laurels Primary School in Worthing has undergone a recent inspection, which took place on 19 and 20 October 2022. The school has received an overall effectiveness rating of good, reflecting significant improvements since its previous inspection, which was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils express a strong sense of belonging and happiness at The Laurels, feeling safe and nurtured within the school environment. They are aware of and uphold the school’s values, which emphasize responsibility, reflection, and resilience. The curriculum is broad and engaging, offering numerous opportunities for pupils to explore their interests through initiatives like the activity passport, which includes a variety of activities from outdoor cooking to ceramic art.
Leaders at the school maintain high expectations for both academic achievement and behavior. This has fostered a vibrant learning atmosphere where pupils take pride in their work and attendance is consistently high. The school effectively addresses rare incidents of bullying, ensuring a supportive environment for all students. Additionally, pupils gain a solid understanding of the natural environment, with resources in early years made from sustainable materials. Older students participate in the eco council, promoting recycling and energy conservation, and they demonstrate knowledge of local wildlife, such as the newts in the school pond.
The school has made commendable strides in improving its educational offerings. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively from Reception through Year 6. Teachers are well-trained and knowledgeable, employing a consistent approach to vocabulary development across subjects. For instance, during a unit on rivers, pupils learn key terminology and important concepts, such as chronology in history. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that teachers have a clear understanding of pupils' prior knowledge in some subjects, as the assessment system is still evolving.
In the early years, children receive a strong start, with parents reporting positive experiences regarding their children's adjustment to school life. Activities are engaging and hands-on, fostering a love for learning from the outset. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are included in school life and extracurricular activities, although there is a need for further training for staff to ensure that these pupils achieve their full potential academically.
Reading instruction is prioritized, with staff trained in phonics and regular assessments to support pupils in becoming fluent readers. The school’s library is well-resourced, and pupils express enthusiasm for reading and discussing their favorite books. The curriculum also supports personal development through a variety of extracurricular clubs, which help pupils develop their skills and interests.
Staff at The Laurels feel valued and part of a cohesive team, appreciating the support from leadership regarding their workload and well-being. Governance is effective, with leaders and trustees maintaining a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Pupils are educated on safety, both online and in the community, fostering a sense of security and awareness.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, the school is encouraged to enhance its support for pupils with special educational needs and to refine its assessment practices in foundation subjects to address learning gaps more effectively. Continuous improvement efforts are essential to ensure that all pupils achieve their best outcomes.
