Liden Academy, located in Swindon, Wiltshire, underwent an inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school, which is part of the Excalibur Academy Trust, is led by headteacher Jeff Mason and serves pupils aged 2 to 11. The inspection highlighted several strengths of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all rated as good.
Pupils at Liden Academy are described as welcoming and friendly, embodying the school's core values of determination and perseverance. Staff maintain high expectations, and pupils understand the importance of striving for their best. The school environment is calm and settled, with positive relationships between staff and pupils. Bullying is rare, and pupils feel safe, confident in the staff's management of behavior. The use of a 'worry box' allows pupils to express private concerns and seek support.
The school encourages pupils to become active citizens, providing opportunities for them to take on responsibilities through roles such as play buddies and peer mentors. Educational trips, including visits to museums and local farms, enhance their learning experiences and broaden their understanding of the world beyond their immediate community.
The curriculum has been reviewed and developed, with clear expectations set for key content across most subjects. In mathematics, for instance, pupils apply their understanding of essential facts to solve problems and demonstrate reasoning skills. However, some subjects require further improvement in curriculum planning to ensure that pupils can build on their previous learning effectively. There are instances where the assessment of pupils' knowledge and understanding is not fully developed, leading to gaps in their learning.
Reading is prioritized from the start of a child's education, with well-matched books supporting their phonics knowledge. Pupils who need additional help receive appropriate support, enabling them to become confident and fluent readers. The early years foundation stage is particularly strong, focusing on language and communication skills, with engaging resources that promote learning.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, adapting the curriculum to meet their needs and working closely with parents and external agencies to provide high-quality support. Personal, social, health, and social education is well-planned, helping pupils understand the importance of maintaining their physical and mental health.
While the school offers a range of extracurricular opportunities, participation is not as high as desired, and efforts are being made to increase engagement. Parents express positive views about the school but would appreciate more regular communication regarding their children's education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Liden Academy are effective, ensuring that pupils are protected and supported. The inspection concluded that while the school has many strengths, it must address the curriculum planning and assessment practices in certain subjects to enhance the overall educational experience for its pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement and engaging with the community to support the education of its students.
