Longlands Primary School, located in Sidcup, Kent, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 22 and 23, 2024. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils express enthusiasm for attending, describing it as fun, safe, and welcoming. Attendance rates are high, and parents and carers hold favorable views about their children's experiences, with nearly all willing to recommend the school.
The sense of community at Longlands is strong, with pupils demonstrating kindness and cooperation during playtimes. The school promotes a culture of respect and safety, evident in the orderly behavior of students in corridors. Classrooms are vibrant and reflect the pride of both staff and pupils in their work. The school prioritizes mental health and emotional well-being, equipping students with resilience and positivity, especially during challenging times.
Pupils achieve well academically and recognize the importance of reading. They enjoy engaging with reading corners, the library, and sessions with the school dog, Alfie. The curriculum is broad and balanced, offering various opportunities for experiential learning through workshops, author visits, and educational trips. The school emphasizes early reading and writing skills, with daily phonics sessions and additional support for those who need it. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that weaker readers receive adequate phonics practice to enhance their fluency.
Longlands Primary School effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The school collaborates with external agencies to provide necessary support and specialized provisions. The curriculum is well-structured, helping staff understand the knowledge and skills pupils should acquire as they progress. Teachers explain concepts clearly and monitor for misconceptions, utilizing diverse resources to aid understanding. Nonetheless, some class activities, particularly for pupils with SEND, may not fully align with the curriculum's ambitions, hindering the depth of subject-specific knowledge and skills development.
In mathematics, the school has successfully collaborated with external experts to enhance the curriculum and staff training. Pupils are becoming confident mathematicians, with Year 6 students demonstrating a solid understanding of translation and Year 4 students showing fluency in their times tables. The school is proud of its outdoor learning initiatives, providing numerous activities during breaks and promoting a sense of community and responsibility through clubs, residential visits, and local engagement.
Staff well-being is also a priority, with new teachers feeling well-supported and appreciating the school's flexibility and teamwork. Low-level disruption is uncommon, and pupils are motivated to succeed, often working collaboratively. Reception children learn self-regulation skills, focusing well during group sessions. Leaders are vigilant about attendance and promptly address any concerns with parents and external agencies.
The school's safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, there are areas identified for improvement. Some class activities, particularly for pupils with SEND, may not fully meet the curriculum's ambitions, and additional training for staff is recommended to enhance the implementation of the subject curriculum. Furthermore, there is a need to refine training for staff who support weaker readers to ensure they apply their phonics knowledge effectively.
Overall, Longlands Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience, with a strong emphasis on community, well-being, and academic achievement. The school is committed to ongoing improvement to ensure all pupils reach their full potential.
