A Hove primary school is celebrating an “overwhelmingly positive” report from the official education watchdog Ofsted.
West Blatchington Primary School has shared its latest report with pupils, parents and carers and the wider community.
The school said: “Ofsted no longer issues one-word overall judgments and schools are now graded across a range of areas on a five-point scale, with ‘expected standard’ being the new benchmark for high-performing schools.”
West Blatchington Primary and Nursery School, which joined The Pioneer Academy in 2023, has exceeded that high standard in several areas and is rated “strong” in early years provision, inclusion and personal development and wellbeing.
The school, in a new building, in Hangleton Way, also reached the expected standard in achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching and leadership and governance.
The school said: “Importantly, safeguarding standards were also met, meaning that any concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed.
“Ofsted inspectors noted that West Blatchington is a ‘joyful and caring school where pupils are proud to shine’ and highlighted that ‘the school finds the best in everyone’.
“This view was echoed by parents, who spoke highly of the ‘accessible, caring and dedicated leaders and staff’, describing the school as a ‘welcoming multicultural community where everyone can shine’.
“Pupils have been praised for behaving well, with positive behaviour ‘from the classroom to the playground’, and Ofsted also mentioned that pupils have no worries about bullying.
“Staff were recognised for their skilful adaptations, which enhance pupils’ learning by helping them to overcome barriers and challenges to make effective progress.”
The report said: “The school places inclusion at the heart of its work and has established a highly effective and cohesive approach to meeting the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”
Pupils were also said to benefit from encounters with inspiring role models, including a science club led by a post-doctorate researcher and participation in Brighton and Hove Albion in the Community education events.
This actively encourages girls’ engagement in science and technology and the wealth of trips, clubs and ways to promote talents and interests was described as “highly inclusive”.
Among the highlights, Ofsted said that attendance had improved impressively as a result of diligent and effective work by leaders and staff.
The school has developed an ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum that enables pupils to build knowledge and skills progressively over time.
Pupils generally achieve well, despite attainment being slightly lower than national averages in published tests.
Pastoral care won praise. Pupils become mental health champions, helping others to enrich their emotional wellbeing.
Pupils are thrilled to learn and perform music, represent the school in sports events and take on challenges during the residential activity trip. Leaders work tirelessly to ensure that nobody misses out.
Parents and carers were said to value the school’s open communication, supportive approach and commitment to understanding their children’s individual needs.
Leaders, governors and trustees share a strong commitment to continuous improvement and equality of opportunity.
Leaders managed workloads effectively and promoted staff wellbeing successfully. As a result, morale remained high across this happy and caring school community.
West Blatch head Russell Brentnall said: “We are proud that Ofsted recognises that our school supports all pupils and finds the best in everyone and it is wonderful to see this reflected in the views of parents too.
“I want to thank my colleagues for their unwavering dedication and ambition, as well as all our pupils and parents and carers for working together with us to enable every child to succeed and thrive.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to deliver an excellent and inspiring education to every child.”
Pioneer chief executive Lee Mason-Ellis said: “This brilliant report reflects the wonderful, inclusive educational experience which pupils at West Blatchington benefit from.
“Well done to staff and pupils as well as parents and carers. We look forward to continuing to support West Blatchington to aim high and we are grateful for the support of the whole school community.”
