Ofsted praises West Sussex school where pupils thrive

Values of respect, compassion, aspiration, courage and integrity are modelled by children at a West Sussex school, says its latest Ofsted report.

Expectations for all at Greenway Junior School, Horsham, are high with ‘particularly impressive ambition’ for disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

“Pupils’ progress in reading is excellent, reflecting the school’s relentless focus,” the report says.

“Well-being is prioritised by the caring staff team. Behaviour is kind and considerate from the classroom to the playground,” it adds.

The school, a member of the GLF Schools multi academy trust, has 309 children aged from seven to 11 on its roll.

“As a team, we are extremely pleased with the outcome of the inspection, and very proud of the whole school community. We will continue to work together to do our very best for the children at Greenway and look forward to further embedding our exciting new curriculum,” said Headteacher Mrs Claire Williamson.

The inspection highlighted the happy, friendly and caring nature of the pupils who thrive with responsibilities, including playground leader, sports captain or digital leader. 

“Visitors such as the police help pupils to learn about social responsibility. Pupils were enthralled by a museum visit to enrich their learning about travel in the early 20th century. The choir loves singing at different locations, including a large arena, a care home and a local infant school,” the report says.

Children with additional needs ‘thrive with strong support’ and those who need emotional support benefit from ‘warm relationships and effective pastoral care’. Pupils rise to the challenge and work ‘brilliantly’ when tasks are precisely designed with clear expectations.

The school is due to have a brand new building next year, with state-of-the-art facilities as part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. There was significant disruption last autumn with the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) on site.

“Leaders at all levels have driven successful changes to improve the school. Governors and trustees provide strong support. Workload and well-being are managed to ensure that staff feel happy and proud,” the inspector noted.

The school has had ‘unsettling changes’ with new leadership and the RAAC issue but parents have said the new leaders are ‘a breath of fresh air’.

“Pupils are at the heart of every decision made in this aspirational, caring and forward-thinking school,” the report concludes.