Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Lakey Lane Junior and Infant School on 15 November 2018, following its previous judgment of good in February 2014. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to maintain a good quality of education. The headteacher, Louise Jones, along with her leadership team, has shown a strong commitment to providing high standards of education for all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds. The school environment is described as happy and welcoming, with a focus on ensuring that every child feels safe, secure, and successful. Pupil behavior is exemplary, and they demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning.
Since the last inspection, the school has made significant improvements, particularly in leadership and management, by establishing a wider senior leadership team. This has led to a more effective system of distributed leadership. However, there remains a need to further develop the skills of governors to enhance their effectiveness. The school has successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, resulting in more effective teaching and learning. The headteacher is dedicated to fostering an environment where teachers can share best practices and support one another in their professional development.
The teaching of reading has been enhanced, with initiatives such as 'stop at 3' and early morning reading sessions providing more opportunities for pupils to engage with texts. Mathematics lessons are tailored to meet individual learning needs, ensuring appropriate challenges for all pupils. As a result of these improvements, pupils are making stronger progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. The early years curriculum is effectively delivered, enabling children to acquire essential skills and achieve a good level of development by the end of their Reception Year.
Safeguarding practices at the school are robust, with a strong emphasis on the welfare of pupils. Staff training ensures that all members of the team can recognize and respond to concerns effectively. The school maintains close relationships with external agencies to support vulnerable children and their families. Pupils report feeling safe and well cared for, and parents express confidence in the school's ability to address their concerns.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum equips pupils with knowledge about safety, including internet safety and risk management. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with leaders regularly reflecting on strengths and identifying areas for further development. Plans are in place to enhance the quality of leadership and management, particularly in supporting governors to challenge and support school leaders effectively.
While progress in writing has improved, there is still work to be done to ensure that more pupils achieve the expected standard. The school has adapted its curriculum to address low writing attainment in the current cohort, implementing additional writing sessions and focusing on skill development. The leadership team has also strengthened monitoring systems to identify pupils at risk of falling behind, allowing for timely interventions.
Overall, the school demonstrates a clear understanding of its pupils' needs and has designed a broad, engaging curriculum that supports their progress. Pupils are provided with a range of opportunities and experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future. The curriculum promotes respect and tolerance, with pupils understanding the importance of treating others equally. The school is on a positive trajectory, with clear strategies in place to continue improving outcomes for all pupils.