The Lacon Childe School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Students achieve well, particularly in English and science, where they reach levels of attainment that are above the national averages. Disabled students and those who have special educational needs make at least good progress because of the expert help that they receive.

The quality of teaching is typically good and some is outstanding. Teachers usually plan lessons well so that students are given tasks at the right level of difficulty, and prepare materials well to help students develop independence. Students say how much they value the way teachers give up their time to provide additional support.

Students' behaviour is outstanding. T...heir positive attitudes and the warm relationships that are evident throughout the school make a significant contribution to their learning. They say that they feel safe and very well known and cared for, bullying is rare and adults support them well.

The headteacher is well supported by his senior team and governing body, and they have been rigorous in ensuring that the good quality of teaching and students' achievement is maintained despite the constraints of a declining budget. Students' experiences in different subjects are enhanced by the sports specialism, and the learning environment and facilities are exceptional. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Attainment and rates of progress in mathematics are average, and require improvement because the leadership and management of this subject have not yet ensured that teaching is consistently good.

Occasionally, teachers do not plan tasks at the exactly right level of difficulty, or ensure that students have enough opportunities to work responsibly on their own. Although most teachers provide helpful feedback on students' work, they do not consistently give clear written information on how to reach their targets, to enable them to take responsibility for their own learning. Although students support each other well, teachers miss opportunities in some lessons to promote teamwork by encouraging students to actively work together.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized secondary school. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is above average, but the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. There are very few students from minority ethnic heritages and almost none who speak English as an additional language.

The proportion of students known to be eligible for the pupil premium is below that found nationally. The school meets the government's floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress. The school has succeeded in attracting more students than predicted, which has reduced the impact of falling budgets.

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