Langtree Community School and Nursery Unit, located in Devon, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on July 18, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are described as happy, friendly, and welcoming. They enjoy engaging in various activities during break times, such as playing football and participating in imaginative games. The school promotes a culture where bullying is not tolerated, and pupils feel confident that any issues would be addressed promptly by the staff.
The learning experience at Langtree is inclusive, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to motivate students and encourage respect among peers. Early years children are taught essential social skills, such as taking turns and effectively communicating their understanding of the world. The school provides a calm and harmonious learning environment, where positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a sense of security and care.
Pupils develop a strong understanding of the wider world through various curriculum activities. For instance, Year 5 students have the opportunity to visit London to learn about its history, while other pupils explore their local area through trips to beaches and gardens. The school also emphasizes the importance of democracy, allowing students to participate in voting for the school council.
The leadership team and governors have made significant efforts to enhance the curriculum, ensuring that staff feel supported and valued. The aspirations for all pupils to succeed academically and socially are high, and the needs of pupils with SEND are well addressed. However, some parents have expressed concerns regarding the communication of changes made within the school, indicating a need for improved engagement with the parent community.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with a revised early reading program that helps pupils develop fluency and comprehension. Staff are knowledgeable about the program and effectively link letters to their corresponding sounds. Pupils enjoy reading a variety of texts, which enhances their understanding across subjects and encourages them to express their views through writing.
The curriculum is well-structured, allowing pupils to build on their knowledge progressively. Teachers assess pupils' understanding before introducing more complex concepts, particularly in mathematics. However, there are some subjects where the curriculum is not taught with the same level of fidelity, which can hinder pupils' learning experiences.
The school environment is orderly and calm, with pupils demonstrating politeness and friendliness towards one another and staff. They are encouraged to develop resilience and self-esteem, contributing to a positive atmosphere conducive to learning. Attendance has improved, and incidents of disruptive behavior are minimal.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and address pupils' vulnerabilities. Leaders ensure that pupils are educated about online safety and know they can approach an adult with any concerns.
To further improve, the school needs to enhance communication with parents regarding its initiatives and changes. Additionally, ensuring that the well-planned curriculum is consistently implemented across all subjects will help maximize pupils' learning potential. Overall, Langtree Community School and Nursery Unit continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience for its pupils.
