Sheddingdean Primary School, Burgess Hill receives requires improvement by Ofsted

Sheddingdean Community Primary School received an official inspection on December 8 and 9.

Ofsted inspector Julie Sackett visited the Burgess Hill school, which used to be rated as good.

Her report highlighted a number of areas, saying: "Teachers’ expectations of behaviour and learning are not always high enough. They are too ready to accept poor quality work."

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Ms Sackett said: "Most pupils are happy in school. They are interested in learning and want to do well.

"Pupils talk enthusiastically about their favourite subjects. Some pupils find school more difficult, however.

"They say that they are not always given the help they need when they find the work hard."

She said that the co-head teachers Yasmin Ashraf and Catherine Gent have "not established a strong, ambitious," vision for the school.

They have worked hard to strengthen communication with staff, however more needs to be done, Ms Sackett said.

She also said that leaders had begun to review and revise the curriculum before the pandemic, making sure that it covers the national content requirements.

However, the pandemic hampered plans for the next stage of development in other subjects.

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Despite the school's phonics programme ensuring many pupils develop early reading skills, it does not take into account children's specific needs.

Ms Sackett added: "Some pupils have significant gaps in their reading skills due to historical weaknesses in the teaching of reading. This is especially noticeable in the older year groups."

The report acknowledges that steps have been made to correct this, with some pupils improving but not all.

Improvements made for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) were commended, stating that the specialist coordinator has helped staff to develop a better understanding of pupils’ needs.

Subject leaders’ roles are at an early stage of development. They are keen to play their part but lack the knowledge and expertise to do so.

Ms Sackett said: "The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders give safeguarding an appropriately high priority."

The report outlines ways the school can improve for the next inspection.

Including an "ambitious shared vision", a more detailed general curriculum and a more accessible reading one.