Small yet mighty – the village primary school where everyone has a shared sense of belonging. Glowing Ofsted report for Lydeard St Lawrence
A beautiful rural village primary school ‘at the heart of its local community’ has been given a glowing report by inspectors who visited in June.
The team from Ofsted declared ‘small yet mighty’ Lydeard St Lawrence Primary School, near Taunton, to be Good in four key areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Lydeard St Lawrence has ‘high expectations’ for all pupils’ achievements and relationships between pupils and staff are described as ‘strong’.
This report is a real milestone for the school, which, before joining the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT), had been judged ‘Inadequate’.
The 34-pupil school, led my headteacher Rebecca Lihou, is described as having a strong shared sense of belonging where pupils treat each other with care and respect and where they are safe and happy.
The inspector said: “Pupils, staff and parents and carers describe the school as ‘small yet mighty’, which reflects their strong shared sense of belonging. Pupils are keen to learn and behave well. They know that staff will help them if they have any worries. Pupils take pride in the responsibilities they hold and play an active part in their school. For example, ‘pupil ambassadors’ introduced a ‘growing garden’. Pupils enjoy harvesting vegetables and appreciate the importance of caring for the environment.”
They added that the leadership team has a ‘determined vision’ and they engage patents and the community in a thoughtful way. This is backed up by the school’s Trust Local Community (governors) who support the school’s ‘journey of continual improvement’.
There was also praise for the way the leadership team has overhauled the curriculum in recent times. This was recognised as strong.
The inspectors said: “Staff make regular checks on what pupils know and remember and pupils have opportunities to revisit learning. This helps them to know and remember more over time.
“The school has placed a sharp focus around reading. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their favourite books. They enjoy listening to stories they get to know well. Pupils read books that match the sounds they know, which helps them to develop fluency. Those who struggle are identified promptly and given swift support to catch up. Pupils quickly gain the knowledge and skills they need to become confident, fluent readers.”
The inspectors also noted:
- Pupils benefit from a well-considered programme of personal development. This includes a wide range of enrichment activities to help bring learning outside the classroom to life. Children work hard at this school to protect the wildlife and endangered species on site. Working as an ECO school to learn about how to protect, respect and care for the world we live in. They each have an important role to play, working with a range of volunteers.
- The school analyses attendance and works with families to gain an understanding of the causes of pupils’ absence. Consequently, levels of attendance have risen sharply.
- The school effectively identifies, assesses and meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Ms Lihou said: “We were so excited to invite OFSTED into our school to celebrate the work achieved by our entire community. Our school is excellent! We thank the OFSTED team for their thorough and thoughtful inspection, giving us the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the difference we make in children’s lives everyday. We are a small school, but our ambition is huge.
"Thank you to our community, our children, families, staff and BWMAT family for your ongoing commitment and drive to ensure every child has an excellent educational experience. At Lydeard St Lawrence we ensure all children have a voice, one that it is strong and heard. They shape not only the present but they help build a legacy for all. Ensuring they leave their shirt in a better place for the next generation of Lydeard St Lawrence children. A recognised strength throughout the inspection.
"It is our mission every child leaves a footprint and takes memories that will last them a lifetime. helping them develop the characteristics, skills and knowledge they need to be great human beings."