Lawnside Academy

Overview

Lawnside Academy is a primary school where pupils “enjoy coming to school” and are “proud of their school.” The report describes a “caring, inclusive culture” where the curriculum is “ambitious” and “carefully planned,” leading to most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieving well.

Strengths

• The curriculum is “rich and varied,” with content planned in a “logical order” that helps pupils build understanding.
• Staff receive “high-quality, subject-specific training” and effectively check for misconceptions to support learning.
• A “systematic early reading programme” ensures most pupils read with “confidence and accuracy,” with effective interventions for those who struggle.
• Pupils behave well, are “happy and safe,” and demonstrate “sensitivity and care towards their peers.”
• Leaders provide “effective support and challenge,” fostering a “shared purpose” among staff.

Areas to improve

• In some subjects, leaders have not identified the “precise knowledge pupils need to know and remember,” resulting in gaps in children’s knowledge.
• Too many children have “gaps in their knowledge because of absence,” requiring continued work with parents to improve attendance.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff who are “aware of possible risks” and who “act promptly” to ensure pupils are safe and supported.