Longstone CofE Primary School continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on 20 September 2023. The school fosters an environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel inspired by the curriculum and school ethos. The vision of nurturing pupils and igniting a love for learning is evident in the positive responses from students, who describe the staff as kind and supportive. Parents and carers echo these sentiments, using terms like excellent, inclusive, and caring to describe their experiences with the school.
The staff at Longstone have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This commitment to high standards is reflected in the pupils' achievements, as they actively engage in lessons and are eager to share their ideas. The behavior of pupils is commendable, with calmness observed during lessons and maturity displayed during playtimes. The school provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports clubs and music lessons, which enrich the pupils' educational experience.
The curriculum at Longstone is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils acquire essential knowledge progressively. The writing curriculum has been notably enhanced, focusing on the specific skills needed for improvement. While this remains a priority, pupils are already showing advancements in their writing sophistication. The early years curriculum effectively prepares children for Year 1, with a strong emphasis on foundational skills.
Teachers employ effective strategies to model thinking and facilitate learning, allowing pupils to build their knowledge over time. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that tasks and questions are closely aligned with pupils' existing knowledge. Some pupils struggle to recall prior learning, which can hinder their ability to connect new information with what they have previously learned.
The reading curriculum is well-defined, with clear expectations for phonics instruction from the start of school. Regular assessments ensure that all pupils receive the support they need to become fluent readers. The school promotes a love for reading, with a diverse range of texts available to students. Parental involvement in reading initiatives further strengthens this aspect of the curriculum.
Longstone has effective systems in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs. Staff collaborate to create strategies that enable these pupils to access the same curriculum as their peers, fostering both academic and social development. The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-sequenced, addressing important topics such as emotions, diversity, and safety.
The school has identified clear priorities for improvement, with subject leaders receiving support to monitor their areas effectively. Changes to curriculum planning have been implemented to reduce staff workload, and governors fulfill their statutory duties. Staff report positively on their workload management and well-being, with established systems for addressing concerns.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for ongoing development in aligning teaching strategies with pupils' prior knowledge to enhance retention and understanding. Overall, Longstone CofE Primary School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, with a supportive community that values the well-being and development of its pupils.
