Long Toft Primary School

Overview

Pupils are described as happy and safe, with high expectations for behaviour and a culture where kindness is the norm. The school provides a rich curriculum enriched by numerous clubs and leadership opportunities, fostering an inclusive environment where difference is celebrated. Leaders have established strong mentoring and succession planning, though some subject leaders require further guidance to ensure precise knowledge progression.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate an "excellent understanding" of issues such as racism and bullying, knowing these are unacceptable and that staff will act quickly.
• Early years staff model new vocabulary effectively, helping children develop strong language and communication skills through activities like singing and science.
• The school is "alive with texts," featuring a superb reading room and various library areas that encourage pupils to become "fluent and enthusiastic readers."
• Staff form a "very cohesive team" who work well together to ensure pupils are well cared for, with safeguarding and emotional well-being as key themes.
• Governors and the local authority actively challenge and support leaders, ensuring improvements continue since the previous inspection.

Areas to improve

• In some foundation subjects, plans do not identify the exact knowledge pupils should learn, leading to unclear links between past and future learning; leaders must provide training to subject leaders.
• Some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do not receive support that matches their specific needs, as targets are sometimes too broad and actions are not implemented appropriately.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," with all staff trained in child protection and concerns reported immediately.