Longmoor Community Primary School in Liverpool has been inspected and retains its overall judgement of good. The inspection, conducted on 2 and 3 July 2024, revealed that while the school has many strengths, there are areas that require improvement. Pupils at Longmoor are described as lively, confident, and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere. They feel safe and secure, thanks to the attentive staff who foster positive relationships. The school promotes good behavior and encourages pupils to support one another, contributing to a happy learning environment.
The school has ambitious goals for pupil learning, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. While pupils achieve well in certain subjects, the school is still in the early stages of redeveloping its curriculum in others. This has resulted in some aspirations not being fully realized. The school offers various extracurricular activities, such as drama productions and music lessons, which help pupils explore their interests and talents. Additionally, residential trips for classes from Years 2 to 6 have been positively received by parents, enhancing children's independence.
A strong emphasis is placed on early reading, with a well-structured phonics program in place. Children in the Nursery class learn initial sounds, preparing them for the phonics curriculum in Reception. The school provides targeted support for pupils who need additional help, enabling many to become confident readers. However, the recent review of the curriculum has identified deficiencies in the design and delivery of several subjects, leading to gaps in pupils' learning. The school is actively working to address these issues by developing clearer curriculum guidance and ensuring that teachers understand the progression of knowledge required for effective teaching.
The school has effective systems for identifying pupils with special educational needs early and collaborates with external partners to provide necessary support. In the early years, children quickly adapt to classroom routines and develop positive learning behaviors. The school also focuses on broader development, teaching pupils about global citizenship and world religions through various activities and visits.
Staff have expressed appreciation for the leadership's efforts to improve their workload and well-being. However, governors need to enhance their oversight of the curriculum to ensure they can hold leaders accountable effectively. The school has established effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.
To improve, the school must continue to address the issues identified in the curriculum design and delivery, particularly in the early years. It is essential to ensure that all subjects are taught as intended and that any gaps in learning are swiftly addressed. Additionally, governors should enhance their understanding of the curriculum's quality to better support and challenge school leaders. Overall, while Longmoor Community Primary School demonstrates many strengths, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential across the curriculum.
