A PRIMARY school requires improvement, an Ofsted report has warned.

Standards at Pevensey and Westham Church of England Primary School had declined over the years, inspectors said.

The school in High Street, Pevensey, teaches pupils aged between five and 11.

Inspectors from the official education watchdog visited in January with inspectors publishing the report in March.

Gareth Flemington, lead inspector, said the school is "strongly improving" but teachers "recognise there is more to do".

He said: "The local authority took swift action in 2020 to intervene and provide significant support.

READ MORE: Damning Ofsted report brands school 'unsafe' and 'inadequate'

"New leaders and governors were appointed to deliver the rapid improvements needed. This is now a strongly improving school, but leaders recognise there is more to do. Leaders have introduced well-sequenced curriculum plans, for example in phonics, and have ensured that pupils are being taught in a consistent way.

"By improving the school’s curriculum in reading, writing and mathematics, leaders are already helping pupils to achieve more.

"Leaders recognise that ensuring all children learn to read is essential. Leaders have introduced a well-structured phonics programme, which begins as soon as children join the school in the early years.

"This gives them the best start possible. Pupils enjoy their daily phonics sessions. This is because teaching is precise, and children can see how quickly their reading develops.

"Those who are struggling are quickly identified and receive effective help from well-trained staff. The books that pupils are given to read support their learning because they are well matched to the sounds they learn."