Ofsted conducted a remote visit to Lyng Hall School on November 10, 2020, as part of its efforts to understand how schools are managing the return to full education following the COVID-19 pandemic. This visit was led by Her Majesty's Inspector, Ian Tustian, and was part of a broader initiative to gather insights from a diverse range of schools across England. The visit was not an inspection and did not involve graded judgments or the usual range of inspection activities, such as classroom observations or reviewing students' work. Instead, it focused on discussions with the headteacher and senior leadership team about the school's actions since the full reopening of schools in September 2020.
During the visit, the inspectors noted that pupils in key stage 3 were studying their usual subjects, with teachers reintroducing practical elements of the curriculum, such as music, which had been adapted earlier in the term. The school aims to return to its standard curriculum by the summer of 2021. The headteacher reported that all Year 11 and Year 13 students were continuing with the same examination subjects as the previous year, and plans were in place to ensure that relevant curriculum content would be covered in preparation for national assessments.
The school has not adopted a uniform approach to identifying gaps in students' knowledge. Instead, subject leaders have employed various methods to assess what students know and remember, including lesson activities, regular reviews of students' work, and formal testing. This approach has enabled teachers to understand students' new starting points in each subject. Additionally, leaders have revisited curriculum plans to identify content that was not covered during the summer term and have adjusted their plans to integrate this material into the current year's curriculum. For instance, in Year 11 English, knowledge required for the literature course has been incorporated into language lessons.
The school has also developed plans to deliver the curriculum remotely if necessary. Students can log into lessons from home, and teachers share work electronically, allowing students to complete assignments from each lesson. The leadership team has made efforts to ensure that all students have access to the necessary technology for remote learning.
The visit did not reveal any significant concerns, and the information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, which aims to inform the government and the education sector about the current state of education in England. The insights shared by the school will help shape future policy decisions. The letter summarizing the visit will be published on the Ofsted website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for parents and the wider community.
Overall, the visit highlighted the school's commitment to maintaining educational standards and adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The leadership's proactive approach in addressing gaps in knowledge and ensuring continuity of learning demonstrates a strong focus on student outcomes and educational quality. The collaborative efforts of the staff to support students during this unprecedented time reflect a dedication to fostering a positive learning environment, even amidst ongoing challenges.
