Pevensey and Westham CofE Primary School, Pevensey

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils arrive at school keen and ready to learn. They delight in the company of their friends and form very positive relationships. One parent echoed the views of many, commenting, 'The school is like one big, happy community.' Pupils behave exceptionally well. They are kind and courteous. Older pupils take on roles of responsibility. They take pride in supporting younger pupils. For example, 'eco champions' collect litter and 'buddies' help younger children at playtime. Adults show a deep care for the pupils and support their emotional needs sensitively. This means that pupils feel safe and are happy.

The school is ambitious for pupils and, as a result, pupils achieve well. Children in the early years have a positive start to their life in school and settle into routines swiftly. Pupils develop a broad body of knowledge and interest across a wide range of subjects. Their learning is enhanced by a range of opportunities that go beyond the classroom. For example, pupils develop their problem-solving skills in the school's forest school. Pupils uphold the school value of 'resilience' well. As one pupil said, 'It's good to know the teachers understand how hard I try, it makes me keep going.'

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

The school provides an engaging and ambitious curriculum. The school ensures that this curriculum provides clarity to teachers about the knowledge that pupils need to learn. The curriculum for early years links meaningfully to what pupils learn in key stage 1. This prepares children well for the transition into Year 1. Staff are well trained to deliver the curriculum effectively. The school supports staff by finding ways to reduce their workload, thus enabling teachers to focus their time and energy in class productively.

Teachers support pupils to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. They ensure that pupils remain focused on their learning. Teachers ask questions that help pupils to develop their understanding. In many subjects, teachers regularly check what pupils know and understand. This helps teachers to ensure that pupils embed knowledge gained. Teachers involve parents and carers in their children's education and provide them with helpful information about their children's learning.

Behaviour & attitudes, Personal development, Leadership & management.

Quality of education (Requires Improvement), Early years (Requires Improvement).

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