Petworth Cof E Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where “pupils’ needs are at the heart of every decision,” resulting in a “very nurturing environment” where learners feel “happy and safe.” Inspectors found that pupils benefit from a “well-thought-out curriculum” and “high expectations” for achievement, supported by staff who model values of “inspire, nurture and challenge.” The inspection confirms that the school provides a broad education with strong support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Strengths

• The curriculum is “broad and ambitious,” with learning “clearly sequenced” to help pupils build on prior knowledge.
• Reading is prioritised through expert phonics delivery, ensuring “nearly all pupils can read with confidence and fluency” by the end of key stage 1.
• Pupils demonstrate “good manners” and “strong morals,” showing kindness and opposing discrimination.
• Staff and governors are “proactive in supporting staff with their workload and well-being,” resulting in high morale.
• Early years provision ensures children make a “good start,” developing “secure early knowledge and skills.”

Areas to improve

• In some wider subjects, the curriculum is “not delivered as well as leaders intend,” meaning pupils do not always achieve as well as they could.
• Lessons are occasionally interrupted by “low-level behaviours,” such as calling out, which disrupts learning for classmates.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”