Loudwater Combined School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 May 2024

Pupils are prepared for their next stage of education thoroughly. Staff have very high expectations for pupils' learning, particularly in key stage 2. This helps pupils to achieve successful outcomes in reading, writing and mathematics consistently well. Disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn the curriculum effectively and are supported expertly. Pupils are polite and articulate. They move around the school and playground respectfully. Pupils know the school's values such as equality and empathy and how these relate to inspirational figures from the wider world, as well as each other. Pupils have extremely positive and caring relationships. They respond to a strong personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum wonderfully well. Pupils are very happy and learn how to keep themselves safe. They learn to reflect on carefully chosen texts and digital media thoughtfully. Pupils are encouraged to explore questions such as, 'What is this information really telling us?' when they are reading. Pupils written work in books is of a high standard across the curriculum. From the start of Reception, the school promotes pupils' good attendance robustly. The school establishes a positive and supportive culture which helps pupils to improve their attendance and punctuality increasingly.

What the school should improve

• In some subjects, not all staff have the subject expertise they need to deliver the curriculum exceptionally well. As a result, some pupils do not learn as effectively as they could. The school should continue to develop subject knowledge across the staff team, including in the early years, so that all subjects can be implemented in line with where practice is strongest.
• In the early years, some activity choices do not help children learn the intended curriculum as effectively as possible. This means that a small proportion of children are not developing their knowledge and understanding across some areas of learning fully. The school should ensure that staff are supported effectively to design meaningful activities for all children across all areas of learning.

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