Arundel CofE Primary School, Arundel

What is it like to attend this school?

There is a strong sense of community at this school. Staff prioritise getting to know pupils and their families well. Older pupils buddy up with younger pupils when they join the school, helping to create a warm and harmonious environment. The school's play leaders exemplify the caring school culture, organising games for other pupils at lunchtimes. This helps pupils to feel happy and safe.

The motto of 'excellence with no compromises' permeates across the school. Staff have high expectations for pupils' learning and conduct. Pupils achieve well across a broad and balanced curriculum. In lessons and around the school site, pupils live up to the 'ACE way', behaving exceptionally well. They are not concerned by bullying, knowing the importance of being an 'upstander' and treating others as they wish to be treated. Pupils demonstrate highly respectful and tolerant attitudes, valuing diversity. They write thoughtful messages and prayers for one another on the school's 'olive branch'.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has carefully designed the curriculum to include the important knowledge that it wants pupils to learn. The curriculum reflects the needs of pupils in the school, emphasising learning important knowledge of the local area and it's history. Knowledge and skills have been carefully sequenced to ensure that learning builds on what has come before. Teachers reinforce prior learning effectively, using weekly 'embedded learning' sessions to help pupils recall what they have previously learned. The individual needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are known well. Teachers adapt learning suitably to ensure that they can also learn well across the full curriculum.

Reading is prioritised. The school encourages pupils to develop a deep love of reading. Older pupils are avid readers, enjoying the rich variety of books that are available to them in their classrooms and the vibrant library. Children start to learn to read right from the beginning of Reception. The school's chosen phonics scheme sets out the sounds and words that pupils should learn over time. The books that pupils read are well matched to their stage of reading. Those who are less confident with reading get additional help to keep up with their peers.

Leadership & management.

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