Latchmere School, located in Kingston upon Thames, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection, confirming its status as a good school. The inspection, conducted on 12 and 13 June 2024, indicated that the school might achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were to take place soon. The headteacher, Carolyn Coles, leads the school, which is part of the Latchmere Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Annalisa Steels and a board of trustees chaired by Raghu Venkatesan.
Pupils at Latchmere School experience a nurturing environment where they feel safe and happy. They have access to ample play spaces and are encouraged to seek help from adults when needed. The school effectively supports students with special educational needs and disabilities, fostering their independence and safety awareness. The school’s mission is to provide every opportunity for learning, which is reflected in the high standards achieved by pupils in reading, writing, and mathematics, surpassing national averages. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils learn exceptionally well across various subjects.
The school promotes respect and kindness among pupils, who respond positively to these expectations by demonstrating excellent behavior. They engage with the local community through various initiatives, such as donating to food banks and participating in community events. Parents appreciate the personal touch of the school, noting that staff know each child by name and are attentive to their individual needs, creating a strong sense of community.
Latchmere School has developed an ambitious curriculum that clearly outlines the knowledge and skills pupils are expected to acquire. The curriculum is structured to build on prior learning, ensuring a coherent educational experience. For instance, early years pupils learn about monarchy through the celebration of King Charles III's birthday, preparing them for more in-depth studies in later years. The delivery of the curriculum is characterized by effective teaching practices that encourage discussion and the use of subject-specific vocabulary, enabling pupils to articulate their understanding confidently.
The school places a strong emphasis on early reading, with staff trained in a phonics program that is implemented effectively. This approach supports pupils in developing their reading skills, allowing them to progress in fluency and accuracy. Assessment practices are purposeful, enabling staff to identify and support pupils who may be struggling, ensuring that all students, including those with SEND, achieve excellent learning outcomes.
Pupils exhibit admirable behavior in lessons, contributing to a positive learning environment with minimal disruptions. The school fosters inclusivity and celebrates diversity, ensuring that all pupils feel valued and treated equally. Initiatives such as Latchmere goes global week help pupils learn about different cultures represented in their community. Pupils take their responsibilities seriously, whether as school council representatives or team captains, and they take pride in their achievements in sports.
The support from the multi-academy trust has been crucial to the school’s success, with the local governing board fulfilling its responsibilities diligently. The trustees provide strategic direction, resulting in a school that positively impacts its pupils, regardless of their backgrounds. Staff express pride in working at Latchmere School, appreciating the approachable leadership and manageable workload. The school prioritizes staff well-being, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Latchmere School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inspectors took the pandemic's impact into account during their assessment. Overall, Latchmere School continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing a high-quality education and a supportive environment for its pupils.
