Laughton Junior and Infant School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 January 2023

The three core values 'respect, reflect and resilience' shine through this school. Pupils know and understand these values. Relationships of respect and care exist between pupils and staff. Pupils say they feel happy and safe. They have a good understanding of bullying and say that it is rare. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils to achieve, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. Leaders deliver and plan an interesting and balanced curriculum. This includes a range of sports clubs that pupils can enjoy after school. Pupils succeed because of the academic and pastoral support that leaders provide. Behaviour in most lessons is calm and well managed. Pupils follow the school's behaviour policy. They know and understand the rewards and consequence system. They try their best and know that learning is important. Pupils play well together at breaktimes and lunchtimes. Pupils have a well-developed understanding of tolerance and diversity. They are accepting of each other and appreciate how each person is unique. Pupils typically share comments such as 'Our school is generous and kind. We support everyone.' Pupils benefit from leadership roles across school. Older pupils enjoy reading to younger pupils. Pupils thrive in this nurturing environment. Parents appreciate support from leaders.

What the school should improve

• In the early years, plans are fully developed in English and mathematics. However, in other areas of learning, plans are still being developed. Leaders know what they want children to achieve. However, the exact knowledge lacks detail. This means that some activities that teachers plan do not enable children to learn new knowledge and skills. Leaders need to continue to develop the curriculum in the areas they have identified so that children are prepared for Year 1.
• In key stage 1, the curriculum is not implemented consistently. Some activity choices do not support pupils to learn. This results in time being wasted in activities that do not have a purpose. As a result, pupils do not always display positive learning behaviours and do not gain sufficient secure knowledge. Leaders need to ensure that staff have the training they need to implement the curriculum consistently and effectively so that all pupils can learn new knowledge quickly.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)