La Fontaine Academy, located in Bickley, Bromley, Kent, has recently undergone an inspection on June 26 and 27, 2024, and has been rated as outstanding in all areas of evaluation. The headteacher, Michael Tirrell, leads the school, which is part of the STEP multi-academy trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Paul Glover and a board of trustees chaired by Ross Gardner. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, where it was rated as good.
The school environment is described as friendly and inspiring, providing equal opportunities for all pupils to succeed. Both pupils and staff take pride in their school, which emphasizes core values such as positivity, aspiration, and passion. Pupils exhibit enthusiasm for their learning, and the teaching staff employs consistent and effective strategies to support student progress. The focus on intended learning outcomes in each lesson allows teachers to accurately assess pupil understanding.
High expectations are set for pupils across all areas of learning, and their behavior is exemplary. Pupils demonstrate maturity in their attitudes towards their studies and understand the importance of kindness and respect. The school ensures that pupils feel safe and secure, contributing to a positive learning atmosphere.
La Fontaine Academy offers a broad curriculum that exceeds the national curriculum requirements. Pupils begin studying French from the Reception class, and the curriculum is designed to develop secure and detailed knowledge, preparing them for secondary education. Leaders effectively identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, making necessary adjustments to facilitate their learning.
The school prioritizes the development of pupils' communication skills, encouraging them to express their ideas clearly and consider the perspectives of others. This approach aids pupils in articulating their thoughts in writing. Overall, pupils achieve exceptionally high standards and are well-prepared for their future educational endeavors.
The curriculum is coherent and well-structured, with regular opportunities for pupils to revisit and reinforce essential knowledge and skills. In mathematics, for instance, pupils frequently recap important concepts such as times tables. Teachers conduct purposeful checks on pupil understanding, swiftly addressing any misconceptions. This meticulous approach contributes to the high outcomes achieved by pupils at the end of Year 6.
Reading is a key focus from the moment children enter Reception. The structured and ambitious approach to early reading ensures that pupils who require additional support receive the help they need to keep pace with their peers. The school has developed a literary canon of classic and modern texts, providing pupils with access to a diverse range of high-quality literature that often connects to their learning in other subjects.
Staff training is well-planned and effective, equipping teachers with the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum in line with leadership expectations. The school promotes staff well-being and manages workloads thoughtfully, contributing to a positive working environment. Staff members express high levels of satisfaction, with many describing it as the best school they have worked in.
The school fosters positive behavior through a consistent approach, which enhances relationships between pupils and staff. Pupils feel cared for, resulting in a calm and happy school atmosphere where learning is prioritized. Attendance rates are high, reflecting pupils' enjoyment of school.
Leaders provide a variety of cultural experiences that support pupils' personal development, often linked to the wider curriculum. Activities such as diversity week and after-school clubs enrich the educational experience, allowing pupils to explore new interests and engage with their community. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
