Langenhoe Community Primary School, located in Abberton, Colchester, Essex, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on January 10 and 11, 2023. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The overall effectiveness of the school is commendable, with good ratings across various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The school environment is described as calm and happy, where pupils and children in the early years enjoy attending. They develop strong relationships with staff and feel safe, trusting adults to resolve any issues that arise. From the beginning, children in the Reception class learn the school's behavior code, which promotes respect, kindness, and courage. Pupils report that bullying is rare and that they effectively utilize the school's support systems.
The curriculum at Langenhoe is ambitious and well-structured, allowing pupils to achieve well. Those requiring additional support receive it effectively, particularly in the early years where children quickly learn to read, preparing them for future learning stages. The school offers various events, such as languages day and art weeks, which help reinforce learning and expose pupils to different cultures and diversity, preparing them for the wider world.
Pupils are encouraged to be inquisitive and confident in expressing their individuality. The school has established clear routines that promote calm movement throughout the premises, contributing to good behavior and positive attitudes towards learning. The curriculum is designed to develop a wide range of vocabulary and social skills, ensuring that children have meaningful learning experiences that deepen their understanding of the world.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. Some subject leaders have not clearly defined the knowledge and skills that pupils should acquire, leading to gaps in learning. Teachers' assessments of pupils' understanding are sometimes not specific enough, which can hinder progress. Additionally, some subject leaders do not regularly monitor the effectiveness of curriculum delivery, resulting in inconsistencies in teaching practices.
Reading is a priority at Langenhoe, starting in the early years to ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum. The focus on phonics helps pupils become fluent readers, and children leave Reception as confident readers, well-prepared for key stage one. Pupils express a love for reading and can articulate their preferences regarding books.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, identifying their needs promptly and providing appropriate resources and adult support. Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety established by leaders and governors. Staff are well-trained to recognize and report concerns, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
Overall, Langenhoe Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment. The leadership team and governors work collaboratively to ensure sustainability and continuous improvement, focusing on the needs of all pupils. While there are areas for development, the school is on a positive trajectory, preparing its pupils well for their future educational journeys.
