Ley Hill School, located in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 25 and 26, 2022. The school is characterized by a caring and nurturing environment where pupils demonstrate kindness, respect, and pride in their school. Students express happiness and confidence, often praising the staff for their support. The leadership team sets high expectations for both learning and behavior, and students respond positively to these challenges.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons and throughout the school, showing friendliness and good manners. They appreciate the prompt action taken by staff to address any incidents of poor behavior. The school promotes a supportive atmosphere, with initiatives like the lunchtime drop-in wobble club, where students can seek help or reassurance. Bullying is reported as non-existent, with students confident that any issues would be swiftly addressed by adults.
Playtime is engaging, with a variety of activities and resources available, including a giant chess set and an adventure playground. The curriculum is enriched through various events, such as theatre visits and workshops with authors, which enhance the educational experience. Subject leaders have worked to refine the curriculum, ensuring it is broad, well-sequenced, and ambitious. However, there is a need for more time to fully embed these changes across all year groups to strengthen the quality of education further.
Pupils are motivated and eager to learn, with early years activities designed to foster collaboration and play. Teachers effectively tailor learning to meet individual needs, checking understanding and providing additional support when necessary. This approach enables students to confidently discuss their learning and recall knowledge from previous lessons. For instance, in geography, students can connect their understanding of polar regions with prior knowledge of continents and oceans, leading to a deeper comprehension of the subject.
The school emphasizes the importance of cross-curricular learning, allowing pupils to apply knowledge from one subject to another. For example, early years students explore animal characters in literature while engaging in mathematical activities related to weighing plastic animals. The teaching of early reading, particularly phonics, is prioritized, with a structured approach that has proven successful. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, and those needing extra support receive targeted assistance to help them catch up.
Staff are well-informed about their pupils, using ongoing assessments to identify and address learning gaps. This support extends to students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to the curriculum and fostering their self-confidence and resilience. The mathematics curriculum is carefully adapted to meet pupils' needs, enabling them to articulate their reasoning and retain prior knowledge.
The school also focuses on the wider development of pupils through community involvement and a well-planned personal, social, and health education curriculum. Pupils learn about relationships, health, and safety, and they engage with British values through the school council. Leaders prioritize mental health and well-being, providing effective support systems for students.
The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety emphasized by leaders and governors. Staff receive regular training, and there are thorough records regarding staff suitability. Pupils feel safe, and the curriculum effectively teaches them about risk and online safety.
While the school has made significant strides, leaders must ensure that curriculum changes are fully embedded and evaluated to enhance pupils' knowledge and skills. Overall, Ley Hill School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its students.
