Longford Primary Academy is a welcoming school located in Cannock, Staffordshire, where students enjoy their time with friends and engaging in learning activities. The school's ethos, hand in hand we learn, is evident in various aspects of school life. Staff members are attentive to the needs of the pupils, fostering a sense of happiness and safety among them. However, some students struggle to retain and understand the curriculum as expected by the school leaders. While recent improvements have been made, leaders acknowledge that further work is necessary to enhance the quality of education provided.
Pupils are educated about different forms of bullying and understand that such behavior is unacceptable within the school environment. Incidents of bullying are rare, and students trust the adults to address any issues promptly. The pride pupils take in their school is reflected in their participation in the school council, where they can voice improvement suggestions, boosting their confidence and sense of responsibility. Assemblies are utilized to promote awareness of social issues and current events, encouraging students to express their opinions through voting, which prepares them for life in modern Britain.
Senior leaders, who are relatively new to their roles, have a clear vision for the school and work effectively as a team. They receive strong support from governors and trust executives, ensuring access to valuable training and collaboration with other professionals. While most parents express positivity regarding recent changes, the full realization of the leaders' vision is still in progress, with many initiatives in the early stages of implementation. Subject leaders have made strides in curriculum design, and in most subjects, the curriculum is well-planned, outlining key information that students are expected to know. However, the curriculum has not yet fully impacted students' knowledge retention, leading to gaps in understanding essential information.
There is variability in staff expertise, with some teachers lacking the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum effectively. Occasionally, explanations provided during lessons are unclear, and activities may not be optimally planned to facilitate learning. Leaders have recognized the need to enhance teachers' subject knowledge and have implemented a professional development program to support staff.
A new phonics teaching approach has been introduced, benefiting early learners through daily lessons tailored to their abilities. While many staff members execute this well, some are still developing their expertise, resulting in lessons that may not meet the intended effectiveness. Children in early years are making progress in the phonics curriculum, but some pupils across the school still face challenges in reading proficiency.
Pupils generally exhibit good behavior throughout the school and during lessons, demonstrating eagerness to learn and attentiveness to their teachers. This positive behavior contributes to a calm and purposeful learning environment. However, persistent absenteeism among some students hinders their potential. The school offers a range of lessons and activities that promote personal development, with a curriculum that fosters understanding of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Pupils actively engage in charitable initiatives, demonstrating values such as tolerance and respect.
Leaders prioritize staff well-being, fostering a positive and productive atmosphere within the school. Staff morale is high, and the team is enthusiastic about ongoing improvements. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture in place to protect students. Adults are vigilant about potential risks and collaborate with external agencies to provide necessary support. Pupils learn about safety, including internet safety, and older students participate in workshops to prepare for secondary school challenges. Overall, while Longford Primary Academy has made significant strides, there are areas requiring further development to ensure all pupils achieve their full potential.
