Longsands Community Primary School, located in Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 29 and 30, 2021. The school fosters a positive and welcoming environment where pupils take pride in their education and form strong friendships. The school’s motto, Together everyone achieves more, reflects the collaborative spirit among students. Leaders at the school have high expectations for all pupils, which is evident in the effective learning outcomes across the curriculum. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support, enabling them to thrive academically.
The curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, ensuring that pupils develop a solid understanding of various subjects. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, starting from the Reception class, and teachers engage students with a diverse selection of books and stories. This approach has cultivated a love for reading among pupils, who are becoming fluent readers. However, some staff members have not received recent training in phonics, leading to inconsistencies in teaching methods that may hinder the progress of some pupils in developing their early reading skills.
Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, demonstrating politeness and friendliness. They are eager to participate in lessons and show a commitment to doing their best. Incidents of bullying are infrequent and are addressed promptly by school leaders. The school prioritizes the safety and well-being of its pupils, encouraging them to share any concerns with caring staff members. Additionally, pupils learn valuable relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and yoga, to support their mental health.
While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement. Leaders have established clear curriculum plans outlining the essential knowledge pupils should acquire. The curriculum is designed to build on previous learning logically, particularly in subjects like mathematics, where pupils develop accuracy through a sequenced approach. However, in some subjects, leaders are still working on enhancing how pupils revisit and build upon their prior knowledge to ensure retention across all subjects and year groups.
The governing body has recently undergone reorganization, with some new members bringing diverse professional skills. However, a lack of familiarity with the curriculum among some governors limits their ability to challenge and support school leaders effectively. Staff members express satisfaction with their work environment and appreciate the consideration given to their workload and well-being by school leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at Longsands Community Primary School are effective, with regular training provided to staff to help them identify potential signs of abuse or neglect. The school collaborates closely with parents and external professionals to support pupils at risk. Through its nurture provision, the school offers a range of pastoral support, helping pupils understand various risks, including those related to relationships and internet safety.
To enhance its performance, the school should ensure that all staff teaching phonics receive adequate training to provide a consistent approach. Additionally, leaders need to implement improved assessment systems in subjects beyond English and mathematics to gain a comprehensive understanding of pupil learning. The governing body should also focus on developing its knowledge of the curriculum to provide more effective support and challenge to school leaders, ensuring that the school continues to deliver a high-quality education for all pupils.
