Laycock Primary School, located in London, has been rated as good in its recent inspection. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing quality education, particularly for its significant number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership has made substantial improvements over the past two years, ensuring that the educational offerings are well-structured and ambitious. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a clear progression from Reception to Year 6, allowing pupils to develop their skills effectively.
The school environment is nurturing, with a focus on fostering pupils' talents and interests through various extracurricular activities, including theatre visits and sporting competitions. Behaviour among pupils has improved significantly due to the introduction of new systems, leading to a respectful and kind atmosphere both in lessons and during breaks. Pupils feel safe and enjoy their time at school, which is reflected in their positive relationships with staff and peers.
The leadership team has enhanced the school's curricular thinking, ensuring that pupils receive a well-rounded education. Staff are provided with regular professional development opportunities, which contribute to their subject knowledge and teaching effectiveness. This has resulted in pupils developing strong skills in subjects like mathematics and science, where they are encouraged to use subject-specific vocabulary accurately. However, the impact of these changes on previous cohorts' outcomes has yet to be fully realized, as historic data does not reflect the current improvements.
The school places a high priority on reading, implementing an effective phonics programme in the early years. Staff are well-trained to support pupils in their reading journeys, ensuring that those who struggle receive timely assistance. Despite some pupils in key stage one reading below expected standards, the school provides tailored support to help them gain confidence and fluency.
Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, particularly those in the specially resourced provision for deaf pupils. The school collaborates effectively with external agencies to meet the diverse needs of its students. Behaviour in lessons is generally good, with strong routines established to promote emotional literacy. The school has also implemented robust attendance systems, leading to significant improvements in pupil attendance rates.
The school community is diverse and inclusive, promoting respect for different cultures and faiths. A variety of extracurricular activities are offered, enriching the pupils' educational experience. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. In some foundation subjects, curricular changes are still new and not fully embedded, which affects the depth of subject-specific knowledge among pupils. Additionally, in the early years, there are instances where staff do not adequately address gaps in children's knowledge, impacting their readiness for Year 1. The school is encouraged to ensure that all curricular changes are fully integrated and that staff are equipped to identify and support children's learning needs effectively.
Overall, Laycock Primary School is on a positive trajectory, with strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. The focus on high-quality education, inclusive practices, and the well-being of pupils positions the school as a supportive and effective learning environment.