Lightwater Village School praised for high expectations by Ofsted

Lightwater Village School is “a happy place for pupils. They are known, nurtured and cared for. Relationships across the school are warm. Kindness is valued and evident throughout” finds a recent inspection report. The children are quick to settle and get on with the ‘important business of playing and learning’.

Expectations at the school are high from the start and the children appreciate their teachers, value their learning and like how lessons are clearly explained, says the Ofsted report which awarded a rating of Good across the board.

“Pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities. Roles such as play leaders, buddies, librarians and house captains are popular. These allow them to demonstrate the school values of positivity, perseverance and pride. They enjoy opportunities to vote for their preferences such as a favourite story or the name of the school bear,” says the report.

The inspector also had praise for the way pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) ‘thrive at this inclusive school,’ which is a member of GLF Schools, a multi-academy trust. Pupils with SEND ‘have their needs quickly and fully assessed’ and are ‘given the support they need to access the curriculum and be fully involved in all aspects of school life.’

With children aged four to seven, the school is led by Executive Headteacher Lee Parsons and Head of School Laura McCarthy.

“We are both so proud of our school and also everyone connected to it,” said Miss McCarthy. “We have superb facilities and offer numerous opportunities for our children. A great range of exciting learning experiences are built into our curriculum such as hatching ducklings, curriculum enhancement days and educational visits,” she added. 

The school adjoins Hammond Junior School, sharing Executive Headteacher Mrs Parsons. The inspection report says that teaching children to read was prioritised with phonics taught consistently right from the start. “Support for pupils who need additional help is well targeted and swiftly provided. This helps pupils catch up and gain confidence. The library is undergoing an exciting development phase,” the report says.

The inspection team awarded Good to all five areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.