Layfield Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 January 2023

Leaders and staff work together to fulfil the vision for their school to be a place where every pupil 'reaches higher by learning and growing together'. From their start in the early years, leaders make sure that children are ready for the next steps in their education. Parents and carers welcome the home visits that staff make to ensure children have the best possible start. Parents enjoy joining the many visits on offer such as a trip to the local theatre. Most pupils follow the school rules of 'Respect, Ready and Safe'. They are polite and respectful towards staff and each other. Pupils enjoy 'golden time' after demonstrating good behaviour. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that adults will always help them. They are confident to report any concerns they have. This helps pupils to feel safe and happy. Pupils enjoy learning new sports and developing their musical talents. They take part in competitive games such as dodgeball. They enjoy opportunities to play at the local cricket club. Pupils win votes to become school councillors. They learn to lead others in roles such as head boy and head girl. Pupils are proud to contribute to their school and the local community. For example, the school council has taken action to improve the school by making sure the tarmac underneath the trim trail was replaced with turf.

What the school should improve

• In some foundation subjects, such as geography, pupils are not provided with the opportunity to regularly revisit the important knowledge and practise the skills that leaders want them to remember. As a result, some pupils struggle to recall what they have learned before. Leaders should ensure that there are regular opportunities for pupils to practise and rehearse what they have previously learned so they can build their knowledge over time.
• Some teachers do not regularly identify misunderstandings in pupils' work, including incorrect letter formation. Some teachers do not provide prompt feedback so that pupils can improve their work. This means that a few pupils keep repeating the mistakes. Leaders should ensure that teachers make regular checks on pupils' understanding and adapt teaching so that pupils can improve their work.

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