Primary school once requiring improvement now rated good by Ofsted

A primary school that once required improvement has now been graded "good" by Ofsted.

Willingdon Primary School in Eastbourne was visited by inspectors last month.

The school was praised for being inclusive and welcoming to newcomers and was said to have improved significantly since the last inspection.

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The report read: "This is a school that has changed significantly since the last inspection. Oversight from those in positions of governance is sharper. Expectations of what pupils can achieve have been ramped up considerably. The curriculum has been reviewed and renewed from top to bottom.

"Children in Reception also benefit from a curriculum that has evolved to meet their needs better. Leaders at all levels have worked hard together to make meaningful connections so that pupils make good or better progress through a curriculum that is well sequenced and resourced from early years through to Year 6."

Ofsted inspectors also praised the school, in Rapsons Road, Willingdon, for helping children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to achieve well.

They said they do well because staff and children are considerate of their needs and the school has aspirations that are equally high for all pupils "no matter what their barriers to learning are".

Inspectors found that both the children's learning and their personal development had improved throughout the school over recent years.

They said: "Pupils’ personal development stands out as a strength here. There is no doubt that the vastly improved behaviour and excellent attitudes to learning that pupils now display is in no small part due to this.

"Levels of nurture are high. Supporting pupils’ physical and mental health and wellbeing is given high importance."

Headteacher Gemma Roxburgh said: "We are delighted that our improvements have been formally recognised by Ofsted in this inspection.

"The whole school community has worked extremely hard to provide the good standard of education that the children deserve. We look forward to continuing this journey together and ensuring that expectations remain high."