Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Luttons Community Primary School on March 19, 2024, following its previous grading that required special measures in February 2023. The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by the school since the last inspection, rather than to provide an overall effectiveness grade. The inspection involved discussions with the acting headteacher, senior leaders, governors, and a local authority representative, as well as classroom visits and a review of documentation.
The findings indicate that while progress has been made, further work is necessary for the school to be removed from special measures. The school is currently led by an acting headteacher due to the absence of the substantive headteacher. The governors have collaborated with school leaders to manage a period of change and have secured additional leadership support from the EBOR multi-academy trust. The acting headteacher has appointed a senior teacher and has been actively involved in improving the quality of education.
The inspection focused on key areas identified for improvement, including the early years curriculum, phonics, and foundation subjects such as physical education and swimming. The curriculum has been designed sequentially, and staff have received training to implement the revised curriculum effectively. Weekly physical education lessons are now part of the curriculum, and pupils in key stage two have begun swimming lessons, demonstrating an understanding of water safety.
Monitoring of teaching practices has commenced, but the current systems do not yet provide detailed information on which foundation subjects require more rapid development. The school recognizes the need to enhance its monitoring systems to better support staff in areas where they need assistance. Changes have also been made to the early years curriculum, with staff establishing clear routines that help children focus on their learning.
Phonics instruction is prioritized, with a consistent and precise approach to teaching. Staff receive regular training, and assessment practices are in place to identify pupils needing additional support in reading. The school has sought external expertise from English and Mathematics hubs to improve teaching practices and has implemented strategies to enhance attendance, particularly for groups of pupils with lower attendance rates.
The statement of action guiding the school’s improvement efforts is deemed fit for purpose, and the acting headteacher is aware of the need to further develop leadership capacity, especially in foundation subjects. The governors are actively involved in challenging the school’s leadership regarding the quality of education and the actions being taken to improve it.
In summary, while Luttons Community Primary School has made strides in addressing the issues identified in the previous inspection, there remains a significant amount of work to be done. The school is on a path of improvement, but it must continue to focus on refining its curriculum, enhancing monitoring systems, and ensuring that all staff receive the necessary support to provide high-quality education. The next steps will be crucial in determining the school’s future and its ability to exit special measures.
