Latchmere School is an academy school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. There are seven year groups (Years R – 6), and a thriving, bustling nursery which offers full time and part time places.

Latchmere is one of two schools that make up the Latchmere Academy Trust. More information about the trust can be found here. Latchmere Academy Trust - Latchmere Academy Trust Strategy

Mrs Coles is the head of school and is in charge of the strategic priorities as well as the day to day running of the school. She is supported by Mrs Hogston, the deputy head, who leads on the curriculum, teaching and learning. There are also four assistant heads. Each year group has a year group leader who champions the curriculum, organises staff, events and children and is in charge of all correspondence.

We have planned a knowledge-rich curriculum. Each subject in yrs 1-6 has a knowledge organiser which accompanies the topic. This sets out the key vocabulary and knowledge which the children need to learn. Our teaching is based on a number of evidence bases such as Rosenshine’s principles and direct instruction (Zach Groshell). We believe that this provides a robust approach to teaching and learning. We offer educational visits such as looking at Neolithic life at Butser Farm, elements of WWII at the Imperial War Museum or taking river samples on a visit to Teddington Lock. We also have workshops and guest speakers in school. There are many other charity events along the school year such as International Women’s Day or World Religion Day. In the summer term, we run ‘Aspirations Week’. This is where we invite members of our community to talk about their jobs in the hope that we educate the children about their future beyond primary school.

Sport is a strength of the school and we are delighted to have a dedicated sports team who teach the PE curriculum effectively and attend many sporting events. We have a swimming pool and a swimming teacher. Children begin swimming lessons in yr1 and continue until yr5 where 98% of children are then able to swim 25m. Children who have not reached this level will receive additional lessons in yr6. We also teach water safety due to our proximity to the River Thames. Alongside our sporting offer, we also have a dedicated music teacher and music room, an art room and a kiln.

We have two large playgrounds bordered by trees and shrubs, with newly updated and exciting adventure play areas, quiet sitting areas and multi-sports facilities. Reception children have an additional playground which is just for them. We enjoy shared use of extensive playing fields which are adjacent to the school and this is where we host sports day, festivals, PE activities and cross country club.

We place great value on working together with parents. We know this makes a great difference to the quality of the children’s education as we welcome the informal links we have with them. In the Early Years and Key Stage One classes, parents can make daily contact with a classroom member of staff. In Key Stage Two, teachers accompany their class to the playground at the end of the day for the first two weeks, giving parents an opportunity to make themselves known and discuss any issues as they collect their child. On Fridays for the rest of the year, KS2 teachers will accompany their children to the playground after school. Each year group has a noticeboard which shows weekly curriculum highlights.

Parents are also welcome to spend time in school sharing your skills and interests, which might include art, music, science, listening to children reading and assisting in the library. We also very much appreciate help from parents in accompanying classes on educational visits, and with supervision at swimming lessons. Parents who wish to help should check the parents’ class notice board for requests or speak with their child’s teacher. A valid DBS check that has been cleared by the school is essential and can be organised through the office.