Long Whatton Church of England Primary School and Community Centre, located in Long Whatton, Loughborough, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school has a strong sense of community, with pupils expressing pride in their school and a supportive atmosphere among peers. They enjoy social interactions and outdoor play, highlighting a sense of belonging. The school promotes healthy lifestyles through initiatives like the food for life project, where pupils take pride in growing vegetables. Pupils feel safe and report no bullying, confident that staff would address any issues promptly.
The leadership team has high expectations for student achievement, and the school’s outdoor learning approach is well-received by students. Younger pupils enjoy engaging with nature, while older students appreciate the trust placed in them to explore and learn outside. Feedback from pupils indicates that the school has made noticeable improvements over the past year.
The curriculum is well-structured, with clear expectations for what pupils should learn in each subject. Subjects such as music and history are well-developed, allowing pupils to articulate their learning effectively. However, some subjects, like art, are still in the early stages of development, and teachers are working to ensure that pupils retain knowledge over time. Reading is prioritized, with a structured approach to teaching early reading. Pupils who struggle are quickly identified and supported, leading to strong reading outcomes. The mathematics curriculum is also well-planned, reinforcing learning through revisiting concepts.
Pupils are engaged and eager to succeed, as demonstrated in a music lesson where they collaborated effectively and performed well. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs receive appropriate support, with leaders ensuring that teachers are aware of the necessary interventions. The school is well-managed, with the headteacher implementing significant improvements since her arrival. The governing body is active in its role, providing both support and challenge to school leaders.
Staff members, including those new to the school, appreciate the support they receive and feel valued within the school community. However, some new staff still require additional assistance to reach their full potential. The early years provision is effective, with children enjoying a stimulating environment that promotes learning through play. The early years leader ensures that children are well-supported and that their progress is regularly monitored, although communication with parents regarding their children's progress could be improved.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff and governors understanding their responsibilities. There is a clear process for addressing safeguarding concerns, and leaders conduct checks to ensure staff suitability. Pupils feel safe and know whom to approach with concerns, and they are educated about online safety.
To enhance the school further, leaders should focus on embedding the curriculum across all subjects and providing ongoing support for new staff. Additionally, sharing information about early years progress with parents more frequently would strengthen home-school communication. Addressing the dining arrangements for pupils who bring lunch from home would ensure equity in the lunchtime experience for all students. Overall, Long Whatton Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a positive environment for its pupils.
