A PRIMARY academy school has been been rated "outstanding" following an Ofsted inspection.

Lindfield Primary Academy School received an official inspection on October 12 and 13, after it received a "good" at its last inspection in 2018.

The school, in School Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, was visited by Ofsted inspector Chris Ellison.

It was converted into an academy in 2015 and is part of the University of Brighton Academies Trust.

His report highlighted a number of areas, saying that "pupils flourish at this exceptional school" and "there is a wealth of opportunity for pupils to develop their individual skills and talents."

He classed several aspects as outstanding including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

Mr Ellison said: "The school’s values of teamwork, enthusiasm, celebration, perseverance, success, independence and respect are evident at every turn.

"These unite the entire community in a sense of common purpose. Everybody understands the school’s vision, and they are proud to play their part."

He said that headteacher Marcus Still and other staff were seen to be committed to doing what is best for pupils.

A parent reportedly told the inspection team: "They all seem to go way above and beyond what is required of them. You get the impression that they really care about what is best for each individual child."

The school’s culture is highly inclusive, says Mr Ellison and pupils talk maturely about how they celebrate difference and diversity.

He said: "If pupils are unkind to each other, leaders address issues effectively, including by ensuring pupils understand why what they’ve done is wrong.

"As a result, pupils talk responsibly about how they manage their feelings and respond to friendship issues."

Mr Ellison commended the school on it's "relentless focus" on improving the educational experience for pupils.

He also said that pupils retain a large amount of their previous learning, highlighting that this is due to a well planned and resourced curriculum by teachers.

According to the school leaders ensure staff are effectively trained, making them experts in each subject.

Mr Ellison said: "Phonics is delivered effectively and with flawless consistency. Every adult teaching phonics is an expert in early reading because of the training they’ve received.

"As a result, pupils make excellent progress and develop strong reading routines. Phonics takes place daily for pupils in Reception to Year 3, during which time pupils demonstrate excitement about learning to read."

He added that this starts right away in the early years, and that the school’s approach is to help pupils "keep up rather than catch up" and if pupils do fall behind, they receive intensive support.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (Send) benefit from the full curriculum, the reports says.

Teachers and teaching assistants reportedly have highly ambitious expectations of pupils with Send.

One pupil told inspectors: "I have dyslexia and they’ve helped me to learn in a way that really works."

Mr Ellison also acknowledged children's personal development as one of the school's strengths.

He said: "Participation in extra-curricular activities is exceptionally high. Leaders target opportunities so that they benefit those pupils who need it most, including disadvantaged pupils.

"Focused work with disadvantaged pupils has had an enormous impact on raising their expectations.

"This includes opportunities for early work experience in careers which interest them."

He added that the structures in place for safeguarding are effective and all staff are well trained with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Mr Ellison visited the school with his colleagues Neil Small, Joyce Lydford and Catherine Old two months ago.

The inspectors have now published the formal report into the school.

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