Lydden Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 December 2024

Pupils flourish in the care and high expectations of this small rural school. The school expects the best of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and or/disabilities (SEND). This is evident in the attitudes and work of the pupils themselves. Pupils rise to meet the school's high expectations for behaviour. They are keen to show how much they know. As a result, pupils readily demonstrate they can remember and apply their knowledge in a range of different ways. They strive to not only rise to these school expectations but also to their own high aspirations. They feel a sense of fulfilment in their learning and are happy as part of the school's community of care and kindness. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of education. They relish the opportunities in school to take responsibility and grow as modern British citizens. Opportunities such as the pupil ambassadors, 'mini cadets' and 'mini medics' are deeply valued by pupils. Pupils see these roles having a meaningful impact in the school. Pupils are happy and know that if they are worried, they have adults who will listen and support them. This gives pupils a sense of safety.

What the school should improve

• In a small number of curriculum areas where the curriculum is new, teachers deliver the subject content with less confidence. Explanations are sometimes not clear enough and the work that pupils are set, at times, does not support them to secure new learning in the way the curriculum is intended. As a result, pupils, particularly pupils with SEND who this impacts the most, are less secure in what they should know and understand. The school should continue to implement the curriculum with clear training and support for staff.

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