Layer-de-la-Haye Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 8 and 9, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming atmosphere where pupils express their love for learning and appreciate the kindness of both staff and fellow students. They feel a strong sense of belonging to a supportive community that looks out for one another. The school provides a broad curriculum that is well-planned in most subjects, and pupils are engaged in their learning, achieving commendable results.
Pupils benefit from various trips and visits that enhance their educational experience, such as a recent excursion to The Imperial War Museum, which complemented their studies on the Second World War. While some year groups have had fewer opportunities for such activities, there is a general enthusiasm for extracurricular clubs available to them. The school encourages pupils to take on responsibilities, with Year 6 students acting as buddies for younger pupils, fostering a sense of community and support during playtimes.
Behavior at the school is generally good, with staff providing excellent support for those who may struggle with self-regulation. Most pupils report feeling safe and secure, and while some mention instances of bullying, they acknowledge that staff handle these situations effectively. The school prioritizes safeguarding, ensuring that pupils are educated on safety and feel confident to voice concerns.
The leadership team has made significant strides in curriculum development, with the headteacher ensuring that curriculum leaders have the necessary time to monitor their subjects. The deputy headteacher has been instrumental in coaching these leaders to enhance their effectiveness. However, there are still areas where curriculum leaders need to improve their understanding of pupil progress, particularly in newer subjects. The phonics program is delivered effectively, with staff well-trained to support pupils in developing their reading skills from an early age.
The special educational needs coordinator has quickly identified pupils requiring additional support and has provided staff with effective strategies to assist them. This collaborative approach has resulted in most pupils accessing lessons successfully, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. Nonetheless, in some subjects, staff do not adequately check pupils' understanding, which can hinder the depth of knowledge that pupils acquire.
The school places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its pupils, investing in resources to support their social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Initiatives like the 'rainbow room' and sensory play space are appreciated by pupils who require additional help. The school fosters a culture of respect, teaching pupils to be considerate and aware of the needs of others, preparing them to be responsible citizens.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges in governance, with a high turnover of governors leading to vacancies. Current governors have received training and are working to ensure effective oversight, but their capacity is limited. Additionally, there are areas where leadership monitoring needs to be strengthened to ensure consistent high-quality checks across the school.
Overall, Layer-de-la-Haye Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils, with strong leadership and a commitment to their well-being and academic success. The school is encouraged to address the areas for improvement identified during the inspection to maintain and enhance its good standing.
