Ofsted praise for Derbyshire primary school as pupils say it is a ‘welcoming, kind and rewarding place’

A Long Eaton primary school described by pupils as a ‘welcoming, kind and rewarding place’ has been praised by Ofsted after meeting the expected standard in every area of its latest inspection.

St Laurence CofE Primary School, on Collingwood Road, was inspected under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, which has replaced single-word judgements with a report card assessing different areas of school life.

The school achieved the expected standard across all seven areas assessed, including achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.

Inspectors also confirmed that the school’s safeguarding standards were met.

The report highlights improvements made at the school, saying that published outcomes have recently improved as a result of leaders’ work to strengthen provision and support children at risk of falling behind.

Perhaps the strongest endorsement came from the children themselves. Inspectors reported that pupils describe St Laurence as a “welcoming, kind and rewarding place”, feel safe and know adults will listen to them if they have worries.

Children also told inspectors that they enjoy school and particularly enjoy reading, while clubs, competitions, trips and residential experiences help them develop confidence and a sense of responsibility.

Inspectors found that pupils “behave well in lessons and around the school”, while positive relationships, clear expectations and established routines create a calm environment in which children can learn.

Attendance has also improved and fewer children are persistently absent, while suspensions have reduced over time.

Headteacher Karin Shields said: “We are incredibly proud of this report because it reflects the hard work and commitment of our whole school community.

“What means the most to me is hearing the way children describe St Laurence. We want every child who walks through our doors to feel safe, happy, supported and excited about learning, and that comes through very strongly in the report.

“We are particularly pleased that inspectors have recognised the improvements we have made, including in attendance, behaviour and outcomes.

“We also know that school improvement never stops. The report gives us clear areas to continue working on and we will use those as we build on the progress already made.”

Reading was singled out as a priority across the school, with inspectors finding that staff teach phonics effectively and identify children who need additional help.

The report also praises the school's early years provision, where children were found to be happy and secure and to benefit from warm relationships with staff.

Inspectors said leaders have high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and that staff use approaches including visual prompts, practical resources and sensory support to help children overcome barriers to learning.

St Laurence is part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT), which supports 33 schools across Derby and Derbyshire.

Dr Sarah Clark, CEO of DDAT, said: “Karin and her team have worked incredibly hard and this report recognises the progress being made at St Laurence.

“It is particularly pleasing to see inspectors recognise the positive relationships between staff and pupils and the work taking place to ensure children with different needs and backgrounds are supported to succeed.

“The report also recognises the role of the Trust in providing regular oversight, guidance and professional support, which is exactly what being part of DDAT should be about – schools working together and supporting one another to continually improve.”

Ofsted said staff at St Laurence feel valued and speak positively about the support they receive, while leaders take account of their wellbeing and workload. Inspectors also praised governors for knowing the school well and providing appropriate support and challenge.

Ofsted has identified three next steps for the school: ensuring consistently high-quality teaching across subjects and year groups; continuing to address barriers faced by disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND; and sustaining recent improvements in attendance and behaviour.