Lynch Hill School Primary Academy, located in Slough, Berkshire, was inspected by Ofsted on November 8 and 9, 2022. The school received an overall effectiveness rating of good, with specific areas such as the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management also rated as good. Notably, the early years provision was rated as outstanding. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy, as it was previously exempt from routine inspections.
The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are encouraged to aim high, work hard, and care deeply for one another. From the early years, students demonstrate resilience, strive for excellence, and support their peers. The atmosphere is characterized by happiness and good behavior, with strong relationships among students. Instances of low-level disruption in lessons are rare, and the school effectively addresses any reports of bullying, ensuring that pupils understand the distinction between bullying and friendship issues. Well-trained peer mentors play a vital role in helping their classmates resolve conflicts, and adults are quick to intervene when necessary. Pupils feel safe and take pride in leadership roles that contribute to the school community, such as reading with younger students and participating in the eco-council.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to help pupils acquire new knowledge and vocabulary. In the early years, children achieve exceptionally well, building on their existing knowledge and preparing them for the transition to Year 1. Teachers employ a step-by-step approach to introduce new concepts, although some subjects, like history and design technology, require further refinement to ensure that learning is logically sequenced and interconnected. Leaders are aware of these challenges and are actively working to enhance the curriculum.
Reading is prioritized, with early years children engaging with books and older pupils enjoying storytime and book recommendations. The school has invested in staff training for phonics instruction, resulting in a team of educators skilled in teaching reading. Pupils receive targeted support to improve their reading skills, ensuring that those who need additional help can keep pace with their peers.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored assistance for their social and emotional needs. While the support for academic work is generally successful, consistency among support staff can vary. The school promotes personal development through various opportunities, encouraging pupils to lead healthy lifestyles and engage in competitive sports. Pupils learn about diverse cultures and faiths, fostering respect for different beliefs and a sense of responsibility towards the wider community.
Governance is strong, with the multi-academy trust providing support and challenge to the school. Staff express satisfaction with their work environment, appreciating the leadership's approachability and consideration for their well-being. Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize signs of potential harm and to respond promptly to concerns.
To improve, the school must ensure that the curriculum in foundation subjects is coherent and clearly outlines the essential knowledge pupils need to learn and remember. This will help teachers focus their instruction and enable pupils to build their learning more effectively across all subjects. Overall, Lynch Hill School Primary Academy demonstrates a commitment to high standards and the well-being of its pupils, creating a supportive and enriching educational environment.
