Long Furlong Primary School in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, was inspected on 13 and 14 March 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school is rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas such as the quality of education and leadership and management also needing improvement. However, the school demonstrates good standards in behavior and attitudes, as well as personal development, while early years provision is rated as good.
The school is described as a happy and welcoming environment where resilience and respect are fostered among pupils. Students exhibit responsibility and care, with older pupils taking on roles such as house captains and school councillors, contributing to fundraising activities for charities. The behavior of pupils is commendable, aligning with the high expectations set by school leaders. Pupils are aware of the school’s values, which include respect, compassion, responsibility, courage, and resilience, and they apply these values in their daily choices. Bullying is effectively addressed by staff, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere for all students.
While pupils show enthusiasm for learning and generally work hard, there are concerns regarding their academic achievements. The curriculum is still under development in certain subjects, which affects the overall learning outcomes. Despite the school providing a broad range of subjects, some pupils do not achieve their full potential due to the incomplete nature of the curriculum in specific areas.
The school offers various extracurricular activities that allow pupils to explore their interests and talents, including sports and arts. However, there is a desire among pupils for the resumption of certain clubs that have not been active recently.
In terms of literacy, the school has prioritized reading, with effective strategies in place to support pupils from the moment they enter Nursery. Staff focus on developing language skills through songs, rhymes, and storytelling, which continues into Reception Year. The school has implemented a new phonics program, and additional support is provided for those who require it. Nevertheless, the curriculum's development varies across subjects, with some areas like mathematics and reading being well-defined, while others, such as religious education and geography, still require attention.
Leaders are actively working to address weaknesses in the curriculum and have improved support systems for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there is still a need for further development to ensure all pupils receive a consistently high-quality education. Some teachers lack recent training in certain subjects, which affects their ability to deliver content effectively. Subject leaders also require more support to gain a comprehensive understanding of their areas.
Assessment practices in some subjects are still evolving, leading to inconsistencies in how well teachers gauge pupil understanding and plan future lessons. The school is aware of the need to enhance provisions for pupils with special educational needs across all subjects.
The school provides a broad range of opportunities for pupils' wider development, including educational trips and effective personal, social, and health education. Governors have improved their understanding of their roles and responsibilities, contributing to a supportive environment for staff and students alike.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and manage risks. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure that pupils and their families receive necessary support promptly. Minor administrative issues were noted during the inspection but were addressed immediately.
Overall, while Long Furlong Primary School has strengths in pupil behavior and personal development, it faces challenges in curriculum implementation and leadership effectiveness that need to be addressed to improve educational outcomes for all students.
