The Lacon Childe School, located in Cleobury Mortimer, Worcestershire, underwent an inspection on June 11 and 12, 2024, and received an overall effectiveness rating of Requires Improvement. The acting headteacher, Rachel Croxton-Broome, leads the school, which is part of the Shropshire Gateway Educational Trust. The inspection highlighted several areas of concern, particularly in the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management, all of which were rated as requiring improvement. In contrast, personal development was rated as good.
Pupils at Lacon Childe School have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and competitions, which contribute positively to their personal development. The school promotes a safe environment where bullying is rare and effectively managed when it occurs. However, the inspection noted significant challenges in leadership and teaching, particularly regarding inconsistent behavior expectations. A minority of pupils disrupt lessons, affecting the learning experience for others. While new leadership has initiated changes to improve behavior, attendance remains a concern, with too many pupils missing school and consequently missing vital learning opportunities.
The school has ambitious goals for its pupils, with a well-planned curriculum that covers a broad range of subjects. Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and are clear about learning objectives. However, there are gaps in understanding among some pupils, particularly disadvantaged students, who do not always receive the necessary support to succeed. The school is committed to including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in all aspects of school life, providing good one-on-one support. Nonetheless, not all teachers consistently implement the strategies designed to assist these pupils, leading to uneven progress.
Behavior in the school is generally good, with a calm atmosphere observed throughout the premises. However, the presence of disruptive behavior from a minority of pupils remains an issue. Recent initiatives aimed at improving behavior have shown some positive results, and pupils have noticed these changes. The school has also focused on supporting struggling readers, with structured interventions in place. However, the promotion of reading for pleasure is not fully developed, limiting some pupils' engagement with literature.
Attendance is a significant challenge, with the school employing a family support worker to address this issue. While there have been some improvements, the overall progress in attendance remains slow. The school offers numerous opportunities for personal development, covering health, well-being, and relationships, alongside a variety of clubs and sports. The careers program is well-structured, providing pupils with insights into future options and support for disadvantaged pupils.
The inspection revealed a period of instability in leadership, but recent support from an interim executive headteacher has helped stabilize the situation. Staff well-being is reportedly supported, and leaders have identified areas for improvement. However, the strategy for supporting disadvantaged pupils is not effectively implemented, and there is a lack of clarity on how to assist these students. The governing body requires better information to effectively support and challenge the school.
The safeguarding arrangements at Lacon Childe School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of pupils. The inspection concluded that the school must focus on consistently applying behavior policies, improving assessment practices, enhancing attendance strategies, and better meeting the needs of pupils with SEND. Additionally, the school needs to refine its approach to supporting disadvantaged pupils to ensure they receive the most benefit from their education.
