Longfields Primary and Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 June 2026

Pupils enjoy attending and are proud of their school. Every morning staff greet pupils warmly. This is a friendly and happy school where pupils are well cared for, and as a result, typically feel safe. Pupils, parents and staff talk positively about the recent changes brought in by the new headteacher. Routines are well established and pupils settle into their learning quickly. This demonstrates that they are keen to learn. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities or those who are disadvantaged are well looked after through the school’s pastoral support and additional needs provision. Pupils across the school typically behave well. They are kind and show polite manners to one another and greet visitors with a handshake and smile. Incidents of bullying are rare. When they do occur, pupils know that there are staff who will support them. Attendance is a priority. Where it falls short there is meaningful support to help pupils attend well. The school has been through a period of instability. Over time, pupils have not achieved as well as they should and have not performed in line with national averages. The quality of teaching is variable and tasks that pupils are set, at times, lack ambition. New leaders have developed clear systems for monitoring progress effectively. Leaders are ambitious in their plans for improvement which are already showing more favourable outcomes for pupils. The youngest children are well supported and cared for when they start school. Pupils appreciate the opportunities the school creates so that they develop their future interests and hobbies. For example, there are many sporting and musical activities available to them including learning to play the ukulele. One of the many highlights are the school productions that take place throughout the year.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should improve the consistency in the approaches teachers take when making adaptions to learning to support all pupils in accessing the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that teaching across the school helps all pupils secure their basic skills in reading, writing and mathematical knowledge from the early years to Year 6.
• Leaders should ensure that staff teach the youngest children to use the correct letter formation and pencil grip when writing.

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