PUPILS and staff at Longwood Primary Academy and Nursery are celebrating that the school continues to be rated as Good by Ofsted.

Ofsted said that pupils at Longwood Primary “get a great start to their educational journey” and “enjoy attending such a warm, welcoming and inclusive school.” The inspectors said pupils feel safe at school, with staff having the best interests of the children at heart.

The inspection confirmed Longwood Primary’s strong improvement since 2015 when it was graded Inadequate by Ofsted. It was just after this report that NET Academies Trust, the school’s sponsor, was asked by the Government to take over the school and drive it forward.

In today’s report, Ofsted commended the school’s excellent quality of education, finding that “leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum”, covering the most important knowledge pupils need to learn. Staff are “confident to deliver the curriculum”, with regular trust training and support. In particular, the report pointed to the school’s effective focus on listening to sounds and rhymes in the nursery, which equips children to confidently begin the phonics programme in Reception.

The inspector highlighted the school’s life skills programme and “strong” personal development curriculum, which successfully helps pupils learn how to be independent, look after themselves, and good citizens. The positive report complimented the wealth of extra-curricular opportunities, many of which many children may not ordinarily experience, including residentials, camping, and theatre trips. This means Longwood pupils have a “wide experience of life.”

The school was praised for its strong support for pupils who may need extra help, including bespoke sessions which precisely target areas to improve. Pupils with special education needs or disabilities are “well supported by staff and specialist teams from across the trust”, with staff receiving regular training so they understand how best to support pupils.

Additional achievements from Longwood’s report include:
· Safeguarding and wellbeing: “leaders and staff are vigilant in keeping pupils safe” and pupils’ “emotional well-being is a priority.” Pupils are encouraged to share any concerns with trusted adults and learn how to stay safe, particularly online, through the curriculum and assemblies.
· Pupil leadership: “pupils appreciate their leadership roles where they can be a pupil advocate or a member of the school council.”
· Curriculum opportunities: teachers prepare activities to help pupils’ readiness for learning including ensuring pupils get outdoors to enjoy nature and pupils enjoy the play equipment and fitness games from their sports coaches.
· Community: “good manners are commonplace” and pupils enjoy each other’s company. Parents are “highly positive” about Longwood’s provision for their children.

Monica Holland, Head of School at Longwood Primary Academy and Nursery, said:
“I am thrilled that we have received such a well-deserved and positive Ofsted outcome with our entire school community. It is a privilege to lead a team that continues to make Longwood Primary such a wonderful and supportive school across all areas of our pupils’ lives.
“Thank you to everyone who has made this amazing result possible, including our children, staff, governors, and parents who all contribute with such dedication on a daily basis to ensure our school provides a great start to pupils’ learning and experiences.”

Jo Coton, the Chief Executive Officer of NET Academies Trust, said:
“It is so wonderful to see Longwood Primary recognised again for all its great efforts. The school has been such a positive journey since NET took it on and everyone involved deserves huge credit. Our brilliant team at Longwood go above and beyond to help their pupils excel in school and in life and it is clear the school, its staff, and pupils are going from strength to strength.

“NET Academies Trust supports all pupils to have the best start in life, providing a great education in the classroom and life-fulfilling opportunities beyond. I am excited to continue working with Longwood’s team to build on their great work even further.”

The full Ofsted report can be found here https://www.longwood.netacademies.net/Our-School/Ofsted/.

For more information about Longwood Primary Academy and Nursery, please visit: https://www.longwood.netacademies.net/.

For more information about NET Academies Trust, please visit: https://www.netacademies.net/
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