Longcot and Fernham Church of England Primary School, located in Oxfordshire, underwent its first routine inspection since becoming an academy in November 2013. The inspection took place on November 15 and 16, 2022, and the overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement. The quality of education was deemed good, while behavior and attitudes were rated outstanding. Personal development was also rated good, but leadership and management were found to require improvement. Early years provision received a good rating.
Pupils at the school demonstrate high expectations for themselves and others, fostering a supportive and kind environment. They take pride in their leadership roles, addressing significant issues such as bullying and mental health. The school effectively meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for future educational stages. The values of love, honesty, and respect are integral to the school community, helping pupils develop character and become active citizens.
Relationships between pupils and adults are warm, contributing to a safe atmosphere. Although bullying is rare, pupils feel confident that adults will address any issues promptly. However, the leadership's approach to recording safeguarding incidents lacks consistency, which is an area for improvement. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively from nursery onwards, with subject leaders collaborating with teachers to enhance teaching methods. This collaboration is evident in subjects like religious education and mathematics, where well-planned activities facilitate understanding of complex concepts.
Despite the overall effectiveness of the curriculum, some subjects are less developed, hindering pupils' learning potential. The school has recently implemented a new phonics scheme for early reading, which is being taught effectively in early years, but some staff require further training to deliver it accurately. Leaders have plans in place for this training and have established additional support for pupils who struggle with reading, resulting in positive outcomes.
Teachers employ strategies to assess pupils' retention of knowledge at the beginning of lessons, aiding in the reinforcement of prior learning. In practical subjects, portfolios of work are being utilized to identify and address knowledge gaps. All pupils, including those with SEND, achieve well due to teachers' proactive assessment methods. The SEND coordinator is knowledgeable and dedicated to ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support.
The school has implemented a personal, social, health, and economic education scheme that effectively meets the community's needs, teaching pupils about healthy relationships and respect for diverse identities. Leaders promote confidence and character development through various opportunities, ensuring pupils understand fundamental British values and their roles in society. The school community is positive, with pupils actively participating in anti-bullying initiatives.
Staff morale is high, and leaders prioritize their well-being, considering the impact of workload changes. While governors collaborate with school leaders to ensure quality education, they need to enhance their scrutiny of safeguarding and equalities objectives. The safeguarding arrangements are generally effective, with appropriate checks on staff and regular training. However, inconsistencies in recording incidents and actions present potential weaknesses in the safeguarding process.
To improve, leaders must consistently follow safeguarding procedures to ensure thorough oversight of concerns. Additionally, some subjects require better delivery to align with the intended curriculum, necessitating targeted training for staff. Governors must enhance their oversight of statutory duties to ensure effective safeguarding and equalities provision. Overall, while the school has strengths in various areas, there are clear pathways for improvement to enhance the educational experience for all pupils.
