Lodge Lane Infant School

Overview

Lodge Lane Infant School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a "happy, friendly school" where pupils have a "strong sense of belonging" and achieve very well. Leaders and staff maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, supported by a creative curriculum that inspires learners.

Strengths

• Pupils are "highly engaged" by the school’s "imaginative inquiry" approach, which uses drama, storytelling, and practical experiences to bring subjects like history and science to life.
• The school promotes a "love of reading," with consistent phonics sessions ensuring most pupils can read fluently by the time they leave.
• Staff are skilled at identifying pupils needing additional support, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who receive personalised provision in the ‘Butterflies’ room.
• Enrichment activities, such as outdoor adventure centres and musical performances, help pupils build character, confidence, and a sense of citizenship.
• The local advisory board and trust leaders provide strong support, ensuring decisions are in the "best interests of pupils."

Areas to improve

• The school should ensure staff adopt "consistent and efficient approaches to assessing pupils’ learning" to provide clear feedback that leads to improvement, rather than adding unnecessary workload.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.