Lindhead School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 July 2022

Leaders have created a warm and welcoming ethos. Pupils and staff feel they are valued members of the school community. Pupils say that staff look after them well and listen if they have any concerns. Pupils are happy and feel safe. Pupils work hard and say they find their lessons interesting. For example, older pupils say problems working out income tax were challenging but interesting and rewarding. Reception pupils enjoy learning indoors and outdoors. For example, some enjoyed practising reading outside. Pupils have good manners and are respectful of staff and each other. They consider the views and beliefs of others. Pupils talk about the Lindhead 'Beethos'. These values underpin the personal, social, health and citizenship programme. Pupils talk about ProudBee and ReponsaBee. Along with other Beethos elements, these develop pupils' personal skills well. Leaders have high expectations of pupils and want them to achieve their best in all subjects. They provide different experiences through the curriculum that help pupils develop an understanding of the world beyond the local area. Leaders know where more work is needed to further develop the curriculum. Older pupils understand the protected characteristics. Bullying is rare but pupils know that if it happens, they can ask staff for help. Pupils say that adults support them well with their learning. There is a wide range of curriculum enhancement opportunities. For example, learning to play instruments and sporting activities. All are valued by pupils.

What the school should improve

• The school's curriculum is not yet sufficiently well planned and sequenced in some subjects. This makes it harder for pupils to remember long term what they have been taught. However, it is clear from leaders' actions that they are in the process of bringing this about. Leaders need to complete the process of reviewing the curriculum in all subjects within their identified timescale. For this reason, the transition arrangements have been applied
• A small number of staff have not been trained effectively in how to ensure that pupils apply their phonic knowledge when reading with an adult. Leaders should ensure that all staff are trained in how to support pupils to use and apply their developing phonic knowledge when reading.
• The proportion of pupils who are persistently absent has increased. Leaders should ensure that all pupils are encouraged to attend regularly.

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