Launde Primary School, located in Oadby, Leicester, was inspected on November 8 and 9, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with similar ratings for the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision. However, the school demonstrated good behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development among its pupils. This inspection marked the first routine evaluation since the school became an academy in June 2013, following a previous outstanding rating for its predecessor school in 2011.
The headteacher, Kathryn Priddey, leads the school, which is part of the Scholars Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Samuel Coy and a board of trustees chaired by Sarah Richards. The school has undergone significant changes in policies and systems, with raised expectations for the curriculum and new behaviour management systems being implemented. While most staff appreciate these changes, many initiatives are still in their early stages, making it difficult to assess their impact fully.
Pupils at Launde Primary School are described as responsible, kind, and considerate. They engage well with their teachers and enjoy the rewards for positive behaviour. The school fosters a strong understanding of right and wrong among students, who set high expectations for their conduct. Pupils feel safe and happy, knowing that staff care about their well-being and academic success. The school excels in reading and mathematics, with effective training provided to teachers in these subjects. Pupils who require additional support receive tailored assistance to help them catch up.
Despite these strengths, the curriculum in some subjects, particularly in the early years, is not organized or delivered effectively. This lack of clarity affects how well pupils learn and retain knowledge, especially for those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school recognizes the need to improve the curriculum's structure and delivery to ensure all pupils can build knowledge progressively.
In the early years, children develop secure relationships and learn classroom routines well. However, the curriculum lacks detail and does not adequately support children with developmental gaps. Communication and language skills are not prioritized sufficiently, which can hinder early development.
Attendance is a priority for the school, with most pupils attending regularly. Recent initiatives have been introduced to ensure parents understand the importance of punctuality. Pupils enjoy various roles and responsibilities, and the school has adapted its curriculum to emphasize online safety and mental health awareness.
The trust has a solid understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement, with regular checks on progress. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To improve, the school must clarify the knowledge that all pupils need to learn and remember, particularly in foundation subjects and early years. The curriculum should be well sequenced to support knowledge retention over time. Consistency in implementing the curriculum is essential, as misconceptions must be addressed promptly to enhance learning outcomes. The school is also tasked with ensuring that all staff fully understand and effectively implement new systems and policies to achieve the desired impact on pupil learning and development.
