Lakelands Primary School

Overview

Pupils “thrive” at this school, benefiting from a “rich curriculum” that inspires them to learn and high aspirations for every child. The report describes a “happy, respectful community” where relationships are “kind and caring,” and pupils feel safe. Leaders and staff share a passionate vision for success, creating an “exceptionally inclusive” environment where all pupils, including those with special educational needs, make strong progress.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “highly ambitious” and “well-structured,” with reading “saturating” the curriculum and staff using an “effective, systematic programme” for phonics.
• Staff are “skilled in teaching phonics” and provide “prompt, tailored support,” ensuring pupils quickly develop a “love of reading” and achieve highly in subjects like English and mathematics.
• The school is “exceptionally inclusive,” with leaders creating “bespoke plans” for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to access the curriculum alongside others.
• Children in Reception get an “exceptionally strong start,” settling quickly into a “calm environment” with “inspiring, purposeful activities.”
• Parents are “highly complimentary,” valuing the “high-quality information” they receive and the “approachability” of staff.

Areas to improve

• Leaders are still training staff in the application of the behaviour policy, meaning “very occasionally, pupils drift off task without it being picked up by teachers.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a “strong” culture where staff are “thoroughly trained,” “alert for signs of harm,” and act quickly to ensure pupils receive “prompt help.”