A primary school has been told to improve after its latest Ofsted inspection.

Leechpool Primary School in Horsham was rated requires improvement by the education watchdog, despite its pupils benefitting “from many opportunities that broaden their understanding of the world”.

Inspectors said pupils’ behaviour at the school is "mixed".

In the report, published on July 12, inspectors said: “Younger pupils at break and lunch play together with positivity and kindness. However, older pupils do not consistently demonstrate the same respect towards others.”

Toby Martlew, HM inspector, led the inspection on June 12 and 13 with other inspectors Vicky Matthews and David Harris.

The team said: “Pupils appreciate the school’s efforts to support them. However, a few pupils are not confident that staff listen and take effective action if they have concerns.

“The youngest pupils feel a sense of positivity and love for their school experience. This is not as consistently strong for older pupils.”

Inspectors said the pupils cherish the school’s dog Mabel, who is a “much-loved part of the school’s emotional support”.

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But pupils’ learning at the school in Leechpool Lane can be “inconsistent”.

The report said: “In some subjects, the school’s ambition for learning is clear.

“In these areas, pupils flourish. Pupils relish creative opportunities in music, regularly composing and performing ambitious pieces.

“Pupils feel a huge source of pride from their experiences competing and collaborating in physical education.

“However, pupils’ experience across the rest of the curriculum is variable. This means that overall, pupils’ learning is inconsistent.”

The school, which was previously rated good, teaches more than 400 pupils aged four to 11.

Inspectors also said pupils’ attitudes to learning are variable across different subjects.

“The school has not ensured that staff are consistent in promoting positive behaviour. Consequently, pupils’ behaviour in lessons is mixed. This sometimes leads to learning being disrupted.”

It was rated requires improvement in three areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management. It retained good ratings in personal development and early years provision.

Nicola Davenport, headteacher at Leechpool Primary School said: "As a school we are very disappointed with the grading, it is essential to acknowledge the areas highlighted by the inspectors that need our attention and improvement.

"Ofsted inspections are very rigorous and stressful processes for everyone in schools but are necessary for driving up standards in all schools in England."

The headteacher highlighted positives noted by the inspectors, including the positive and inclusive school culture as well as the broad and ambitious curriculum, with particular strengths in PE and music.

She acknowledged the specific areas where the school needs to "focus its efforts", including strengthening the support for disadvantaged children and helping disadvantaged children improve their attendance.

"We take the Ofsted report recommendations very seriously," said Mrs Davenport.

"A clear action plan to respond to the issues is being discussed, worked on, and incorporated into the new school improvement plan for 2024-2025."