Longford Park Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils are thriving at Longford Park Primary School. They thoroughly enjoy coming to school. A parent told inspectors her daughter even asks to go to school on Saturdays.

When a group of pupils were asked what they liked most about their school, they all spoke knowledgeably and enthusiastically about what they were learning. Pupils were animated and articulate when discussing topics like climate change, computing or a science experiment.

The school's high expectations are reflected in pupils' consistently positive attitudes and great behaviour.

Pupils are polite and considerate and sit happily talking to friends while having lunch. The 'buddy bench' is also t...here to help anyone who feels left out.

Pupils value the friendships they make.

They spoke wisely about the qualities of relationships and what makes a good friend, focusing on treating people with respect and consideration. When discussing this, one group burst into a song they had learned in music about treating people with kindness.Pupils feel safe and say bullying is rare.

On the rare occasions where bullying does happen, leaders deal with this promptly. Pupils know they will be listened to carefully and helped quickly if they have problems or if they are worried about anything.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have developed an inspirational and innovative curriculum.

This is fully in place across the school. Each topic is designed to engage and excite pupils. New learning builds on what pupils already know.

For example, in a lesson designing a warm coat, pupils used their learning from mathematics, science, geography and art. This helps pupils to see the links between the different things they learn, to remember what they have been taught and get them ready for what they will learn next.

Leaders give priority to ensuring that pupils learn to read.

The teaching of phonics is highly effective. Pupils who fall behind are given prompt help by highly trained staff. As a result, pupils become confident readers who enjoy reading for pleasure.

This supports their learning in the wider curriculum. Pupils talk with affection and excitement about the books they read.

The school is exceptionally inclusive and caring.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are given expert support from the very start. The school curriculum is deliberately designed to ensure that these pupils can access their learning with their classmates. When needed, knowledgeable adults provide tailored, precise extra help.

As a result, pupils with SEND do exceptionally well.

The strong early years provision gives children the best possible start to their education. The leaders see early years as the foundation for all future learning.

The needs of the children are the driving force behind all activities, inspiring learning from day one. Leaders make sure the classrooms support children's learning and fire their imaginations. Well-planned teaching helps children make a strong start in phonics and mathematics.

Indoor and outdoor reading areas give children access to a wide range of stories and rhymes. The highly trained staff make sure that children enjoy playing and learning together.

Provision for pupils' personal development is exceptional.

This sits at the heart of the school and the centre of the curriculum. Pupils are taught about diversity and the importance of respecting people who may be different to themselves. One parent commented, 'The school has a genuine ethos of valuing diversity and inclusion.'

The curriculum helps pupils to understand the importance of exercise and a heathy diet. Through the 'pupil parliament', pupils learn about the importance of democracy and the way that representation works.

Across the school, pupils behave exceptionally well.

In lessons, pupils are focused on their learning. When moving around the school or during social time, pupils clearly know the school's routines and what is expected of them. They are polite and courteous to adults and each other.

Pupils attend regularly and are punctual. On the rare occasions a pupil's attendance dips, the school quickly puts support in place.

Leaders are highly ambitious for pupils at the school.

Their vision is to develop future adults who will have the skills and qualities to leave a positive impact on the world. Leaders have high expectations of pupils, staff and of each other. The staff are a supportive and highly trained team who think deeply about education and what will work best for pupils.

Governance is strong. Trustees and the local school standards board understand and fulfil their responsibilities very well.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

There is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school. Staff have frequent training and regular updates. They know pupils well and can readily spot when any pupils need help.

When external support is required, it is quickly put in place. Leaders, together with governors, make sure that effective processes are in place and followed. Safeguarding record-keeping is accurate and systematic.

Pupils know how to stay safe. They know what to do if they have worries about themselves or a friend. Pupils are confident there is always a trusted adult they can talk to.