Long Wittenham Church of England Primary School is a small primary school located in Oxfordshire. The school has undergone significant changes in leadership and staffing, with a new headteacher starting in January 2022. The school serves a diverse student body, including several Afghan refugee pupils currently in temporary accommodation. The recent inspection, conducted in October 2022, rated the overall effectiveness of the school as requiring improvement, although it noted strengths in behavior, attitudes, and personal development.
Pupils at Long Wittenham Primary School enjoy attending and feel safe in their environment. They benefit from positive relationships with staff and peers, which fosters a supportive atmosphere. The school has implemented a range of initiatives to promote positive behavior, and incidents of bullying are low. Pupils are aware of the school's learning behaviors, which emphasize aspiration, community, curiosity, determination, and independence. Parents and carers have expressed appreciation for the positive changes made by the new leadership team, highlighting the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education.
Despite these strengths, the school faces challenges in its curriculum development. Some areas of the curriculum are not fully developed, particularly for key stage two pupils who struggle with reading. While the school has made strides in improving teaching and learning, gaps in knowledge remain, and additional support is needed for those who are falling behind. The leadership team is aware of these issues and is actively working to address them.
The school has made notable progress in subjects such as reading, mathematics, and history, where a well-structured curriculum has been introduced. Teachers are confident in delivering these subjects and regularly assess pupils' understanding. However, other subjects require further development to ensure that essential knowledge and vocabulary are clearly defined and taught in a logical sequence. Leaders are committed to making necessary changes to improve the curriculum.
Reading is a priority for the school, particularly for younger pupils. A systematic approach to phonics has been embedded in the early years and key stage one, allowing pupils to practice reading with books that match their learning. However, some key stage two pupils who struggle with reading are not receiving adequate support. The school is taking steps to enhance its reading resources and train staff to better assist these pupils.
The school promotes personal development effectively, teaching pupils about safety, healthy eating, and the importance of positive relationships. Pupils engage in various curricular and extracurricular activities, which enrich their learning experiences. The inclusive culture of the school ensures that all pupils, including those new to the country, feel welcomed and valued.
Governors play an active role in the school, demonstrating a clear understanding of their responsibilities and a commitment to continuous improvement. Staff members express pride in their work and benefit from professional development opportunities. The school prioritizes staff well-being and workload when implementing new initiatives.
Safeguarding measures are in place, creating a strong culture of safety within the school. Staff receive regular training and are vigilant in identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns. However, there are areas for improvement in record-keeping related to safeguarding actions, which leaders are addressing promptly.
In summary, Long Wittenham Church of England Primary School is a friendly and inclusive environment where pupils thrive. While there are areas that require improvement, particularly in curriculum development and support for struggling readers, the leadership team is dedicated to making necessary changes to enhance the quality of education for all pupils. The school community is supportive, and there is a shared commitment to fostering a positive learning experience for every child.
