Langley Fitzurse Church of England Primary School, located in Kington Langley, Chippenham, Wiltshire, has been evaluated as a good school in its recent inspection. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils are happy and well-cared for, demonstrating good behavior and respect for both staff and peers. The foundation laid in the Reception class contributes to a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school. Pupils are taught to recognize their feelings and seek help when needed, fostering confidence and resilience. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils are aware of trusted adults available to assist them in resolving conflicts.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with most pupils achieving well across various subjects. They exhibit enthusiasm for reading and have a solid understanding of mathematical concepts. The school emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, which contributes to a positive learning environment. Pupils' broader development is integrated into school life, with opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities that include community service, first aid training, and charity events.
The school has carefully planned its curriculum, particularly for mixed-age classes, ensuring that essential knowledge is broken down and built upon over time. Staff have received appropriate training, which has positively impacted pupils' achievements in reading, writing, and mathematics. The phonics provision has been notably improved, allowing early readers to develop strong foundational skills. Children in Reception enjoy their learning experiences, with a focus on emotional and social development supported by well-established routines.
However, the school faces challenges in assessing the effectiveness of its curriculum in some subjects. There is a need for more systematic checks to ensure that all pupils are learning as intended. In Reception, the monitoring of children's learning is not consistently thorough, although most children achieve a good level of development. The school has also introduced a new system for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, but this is still in the early stages and requires more consistent implementation.
Staffing challenges have affected the oversight of certain areas, but local governance remains strong. Governors are well-informed about the school and have supported leaders in making sound decisions to maintain educational quality. Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons, with minimal disruption, and enjoy a variety of activities during playtime. They have a solid understanding of British values, which they explore in assemblies, and they reflect on their significance in the wider world.
The school excels in music education, providing all pupils with the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, with additional lessons available for those who wish to pursue further study. Disadvantaged pupils are also given access to these opportunities. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must enhance its monitoring of curriculum implementation and assessment practices. This will help ensure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive the intended educational experience. By sharpening its approach to assessment, the school can better support all pupils in their learning journey. Overall, Langley Fitzurse Church of England Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
