Seething and Mundham Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 March 2024

Pupils love their school. They are happy and safe. Pupils know, understand, and live the school values. Pupils enjoy the many clubs and other enrichment activities the school offers. Pupils organise events to raise money for local and national charities. A feature of the school's curriculum centres around pupils' love of nature. Pupils are given opportunities to explore the natural world, learning more about aspects of the planned curriculum, using what they know to increase their understanding in subjects, such as art and science. Pupils enjoy learning. They forge strong relationships with teachers. They appreciate how teachers make lessons interesting. Pupils also value how teachers encourage and support them when they find learning challenging. Behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are polite, thoughtful and care for each other. Pupils are confident to talk to an adult if they have any concerns. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) greatly value the nurture room. Most know when they need some quiet time out of class to manage negative emotions. In such circumstances, they are exceptionally well supported by the staff. Parents speak highly of the school. They are thrilled with the improvements made over the last two years.

What the school should improve

• Sometimes, the organisation of the early reading curriculum and its delivery does not ensure that all pupils learn phonics as effectively as they could. Some pupils do not get well-timed opportunities to take their next steps in learning how to read. Other pupils do not get sufficient time to practise and gain proficiency in lessons. The school should review their organisation of phonic teaching to ensure all pupils learn the basics of early reading effectively. This will ensure pupils learn to read better during these earlier stages of their access to the reading curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)