Longford Park Primary School, located in Coventry, West Midlands, underwent an inspection on July 5 and 6, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with the quality of education also falling into the same category. However, the school demonstrated good performance in areas such as behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The previous inspection in December 2016 had rated the school as good.
Pupils at Longford Park Primary School exhibit enthusiasm for their learning, showing that they are aware of their teachers' commitment to their success. The school has introduced a new, ambitious curriculum that is still in development but is positively impacting student learning. Pupils generally behave well and report that staff effectively address instances of bullying when they occur. The leadership team is dedicated to providing a broad range of experiences for students, including educational trips that enhance their learning. For instance, early years children have enjoyed visits to the zoo and engaging activities like beach parties, while older students have explored historical sites relevant to their studies.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and first aid clubs. All pupils learn to play a musical instrument and participate in weekly singing assemblies. Recent involvement in the Coventry City of Culture 2021 initiative allowed students to engage in creative projects, further enriching their educational experience.
The headteacher, who began her role in September 2020, recognized the need for a more ambitious curriculum and has worked to implement changes. While leaders have made strides in defining what pupils should learn, there are still areas for improvement. In some subjects, the curriculum lacks clarity regarding the foundational knowledge necessary for students to build upon, which can lead to gaps in understanding. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and provide engaging lessons, but they do not consistently assess student understanding effectively, resulting in missed opportunities to address misconceptions.
The school has adopted a phonics scheme that supports pupils in developing reading skills, with most students now reading at age-appropriate levels. Reading is actively promoted throughout the school, and students express enthusiasm for their reading lessons and the books shared by their teachers.
Leaders are attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that appropriate support is in place. Teachers receive ongoing training to effectively meet these students' needs, contributing to their overall success.
While pupils generally exhibit good behavior, the school has not sufficiently addressed attendance issues, with too many students missing school frequently. This impacts their ability to fully engage in learning and extracurricular activities. Leaders are encouraged to work closely with families to emphasize the importance of regular attendance.
Pupils learn about various cultures and religions, participating in initiatives like Refugee Week, which fosters understanding and empathy. The school emphasizes personal, social, and health education, helping students develop a sense of responsibility towards others.
Governors are well-informed about the school's strengths and weaknesses, providing necessary support and challenge to the leadership team. The safeguarding arrangements in place are effective, with trained staff able to identify and respond to potential risks to pupil safety.
In summary, while Longford Park Primary School has made commendable efforts in various areas, it faces challenges in the quality of education and attendance that need to be addressed to enhance overall effectiveness.
