Langley First School

Overview

Langley First School is judged ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking a change from its previous ‘Outstanding’ rating under an older framework. The report describes a school where pupils are “very happy to attend” and feel safe, supported by strong relationships between staff, governors, and families. Leaders have high expectations for behaviour and academic achievement, with particular success in reading and mathematics.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “enthusiastic” engagement in learning, particularly in core subjects like mathematics and science, where they recall previous knowledge effectively.
• Staff provide “detailed and effective support plans” for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to make strong progress.
• The new phonics scheme is implemented consistently well, with activities closely matched to pupils’ known sounds to ensure accurate reading.
• Leaders promote reading successfully through initiatives such as a “book swap shed,” regular book fairs, and taking home books for pleasure.
• Governors provide a “high level of support and challenge to staff,” ensuring the school is well led and staff feel valued.

Areas to improve

• Teachers do not implement the planned curriculum in some foundation subjects, such as history and geography, “consistently well,” meaning pupils do not demonstrate secure knowledge in these areas.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff understanding that safeguarding is “everybody’s business” and raising concerns promptly to keep pupils safe.