Littlegreen Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

Leaders have very high expectations. Pupils are clear that their school makes them feel happy, welcomed and safe. They trust that staff will deal with any incidents of bullying or harassment swiftly and effectively. Pupils benefit from the wide range of enrichment activities which help foster their skills and interests. For example, they enjoy horse riding, swimming and kayaking. Pupils look forward to trips to the theatre, museums, the beach, the local farm and Winchester Science Centre. They relish sleepovers and camping events in school. Pupils proudly raise funds and donations for charities they support. Too often, pupils arrive at Littlegreen with a history of poor experiences of education. Staff quickly get to know pupils and their specific needs. Adults are adept at giving pupils the time and space they need to regulate some of their overwhelming complex emotions. They prioritise helping pupils to develop trusting relationships. Pupils learn to communicate their feelings successfully and become important valued members of the school community. One Year 7 pupil said, 'We like that we can take time out when we need to. This helps take the pressure out of our head and means that we do not disrupt others.'

What the school should improve

• The curriculum in a few foundation subjects does not identify clearly the important knowledge pupils should learn step by step. Consequently, pupils do not achieve as well as they could from their starting points. Leaders should continue to review the curriculum so that it is well sequenced in all subjects.
• A few pupils have very poor attendance. As a result, they are missing a vital part of their education. Leaders should raise their efforts to work with families and other professionals to help find solutions and support these pupils to attend school regularly.
• Phonics is not always taught effectively. Some of the books that pupils read do not help them practise the sounds they are taught. Consequently, some pupils do not read as well as they could. Leaders should continue to make sure that staff are well trained and that the books pupils read help them practise their phonics knowledge.

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