The March CofE Primary School, located in Westhampnett, Chichester, West Sussex, was inspected on 7 and 8 March 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision also receiving good ratings. Notably, personal development was rated as outstanding. This inspection marked the first evaluation of the school under the Education Act 2005.
Pupils at The March CofE Primary School benefit from a well-structured enrichment curriculum that encourages participation in various sporting competitions and clubs. The school fosters a culture of high expectations, with leaders ambitious for pupil achievement. This ambition extends to students with special educational needs and disabilities, as teachers adapt resources to ensure all pupils can meet the same high standards. The staff's deep understanding of each pupil allows for tailored support, contributing to the overall positive learning environment.
Behaviour among pupils is generally commendable, with most students appreciating the calm and welcoming atmosphere. They feel safe and report that bullying is rare, although some instances of unkind behaviour do occur, leading to concerns among certain pupils about the effectiveness of the school's response. Despite this, students express enjoyment in their learning and are enthusiastic about the opportunities available to them.
The school excels in its reading program, with children in Reception displaying enthusiasm and fluency in reading. This strong foundation supports older pupils in reading with confidence and enjoyment. When pupils struggle, staff promptly identify the issues and provide targeted support, which has proven effective. A similar approach is applied in mathematics, where pupils make good progress towards ambitious goals.
Leaders have developed a well-designed curriculum across most subjects, carefully considering what pupils need to learn and when. However, there are areas where further refinement is needed regarding the sequencing of the curriculum. In subjects where the curriculum is well-planned, teachers set challenging tasks that lead to strong outcomes. Nonetheless, there are instances where the work set does not meet the high expectations leaders have for pupils.
Teachers regularly assess pupils' understanding and provide opportunities for them to address any knowledge gaps. This process helps identify specific learning needs, particularly for those with SEND, and leaders collaborate with teachers and parents to implement effective support plans. The school maintains a calm classroom environment, although there are occasions when disruptions are not consistently managed, leading to prolonged interruptions in learning.
The personal development program is robust, integrating personal, social, and health education with various enrichment activities. This approach helps pupils develop a strong understanding of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural issues, preparing them well for life in modern Britain. The school promotes tolerance and equality, ensuring that relationships, sex, and health education is delivered appropriately for each age group.
Leadership at The March CofE Primary School is effective, with leaders demonstrating ambition for their pupils and ensuring a unified approach towards achieving these goals. The school is well-supported by the multi-academy trust, and governors are knowledgeable about their roles. Leaders have taken steps to manage staff workload, allowing educators to focus on enhancing pupil outcomes.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with thorough training provided to staff to identify and report concerns. Pupils are educated about safety, including online safety, from an early age. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of behaviour management and the sequencing of the curriculum in certain subjects. Addressing these issues will further enhance the school's effectiveness and the overall experience for pupils.
