Headteacher vows to 'reverse underperformance' as Leighton Buzzard school blasted by Ofsted inspectors
A school in Leighton Buzzard has been handed a list of improvements to make after an inspection found it was not supporting children well enough.
Leedon Lower School, in Highfield Road, was visited by Ofsted inspectors in April, and has been told to make significant improvements.
The report, published today (Monday), found that the school had failed in each area of assessment.
It found achievement, and the curriculum and teaching need urgent improvement, while the school 'needs attention' in the areas of attendance and behaviour, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development.
The new headteacher, Jen Lloyd, has vowed to “reverse the underperformance of the school highlighted in this report”.
Inspectors found there were low expectations for the 366 pupils at the school.
They said: “For too long, pupils have not had a good enough standard of education at this school. They do not achieve well, as expectations are not high enough. Most pupils are insufficiently prepared for middle school.”
Attendance at the school has been low, and is still below national standards, but there has been some improvement in “the number of children who are persistently absent”.
The report also stated that behaviour was getting better: “Suspensions have reduced significantly recently, as pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs are being more carefully addressed.”
But inspectors found that children wanted playtimes to be calmer and less noisy.
There was criticism of the quality of teaching and how well children were achieving.
The report stated: “Pupils have major gaps in their reading, writing and mathematical knowledge. These gaps are not being closed quickly or with any urgency.
“...pupils with SEND typically make very little, or no, progress over time.”
But Ofsted also found that children in pre-school and reception were “happy, safe, confident and curious”.
Ms Lloyd said: “Whilst the inspection identified deep-rooted issues, the report clearly highlights a swift turnaround in direction achieved by the new leadership team in the short time they have been in post.
“The report highlights just how much work there is to do in ensuring that Leedon’s children receive the high-quality education they deserve. However, it also rightly highlights the school’s nurturing approach.
“The fantastic team at Leedon are fully committed to making the changes necessary to improve the school.”