Lark Hall Infant & Nursery Academy

Overview

Lark Hall Infant & Nursery Academy is described as a "caring and special community" where pupils feel safe and settled. The report states the school meets the "Expected standard" across all inspection categories, with leaders demonstrating a "clear and accurate understanding" of strengths and areas for development.

Strengths

• Pupils make "strongest progress in their social and emotional development" and leave with a "love of learning."
• Staff build "warm, trusting relationships" with pupils, who behave well and show a "strong sense of belonging."
• The curriculum is "broad and engaging," helping pupils develop a love of music, arts, and outdoor learning.
• Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they are "included in lessons and in the wider life of the school."
• Attendance has improved due to leaders' work with parents, with pupils now attending "regularly" and arriving "ready to learn."

Areas to improve

• Leaders should develop staff expertise to adapt teaching for pupils with special educational needs so they "progress well across the curriculum."
• Teachers must ensure pupils are routinely given opportunities to "reason mathematically" to deepen their understanding of key concepts.
• Staff should identify errors, such as "incorrect letter formation," promptly so mistakes do not become "long-term barriers" to fluency.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.