Lanesfield Primary School, located in Wolverhampton, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on October 3 and 4, 2023. The school is characterized by a diverse and inclusive environment where pupils thrive and exhibit happiness. From the outset, students are taught the values of kindness and respect, which extend into the local community through various fundraising initiatives. Notably, the school engages pupils in activities like the ‘fiver challenge,’ where they collaborate to raise funds for chosen charities, and participate in sing-alongs with local nursing home residents and individuals with sight loss, fostering a sense of community involvement.
The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, and students consistently meet these standards. Staff members have established caring relationships with pupils, creating a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable discussing any concerns. The enrichment program at Lanesfield is robust, featuring a ‘passport of 100 things to do before I leave Lanesfield,’ which encourages pupils to engage in activities that push them beyond their comfort zones, such as interviews and outdoor adventures. This inclusive approach ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, can participate fully.
Lanesfield Primary School has developed an ambitious curriculum that breaks down knowledge into manageable steps, facilitating connections between prior and current learning. This structured approach enables pupils to progress effectively. The school fosters positive attitudes towards learning, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and regularly assessing pupils’ understanding. However, there are instances where the information gathered from assessments is not utilized effectively to tailor learning experiences, leading to some pupils finding their work insufficiently challenging.
The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs through collaboration with multi-agency experts and works closely with families to create tailored strategies that support access to the curriculum. This commitment ensures that pupils with SEND make significant progress. Furthermore, Lanesfield has instilled a love of reading among its pupils, starting with pre-phonics knowledge in Nursery and ensuring that all staff are equipped to teach phonics effectively. Pupils who struggle with reading receive targeted one-on-one support, allowing them to catch up quickly and become fluent readers.
The personal, social, and health education curriculum is well-structured and aligns with the school’s core values of readiness, respect, and safety. Pupils learn to appreciate diverse cultures and faiths through religious education, which includes visits to places of worship and exploration of various festivals. This comprehensive approach promotes mutual respect within the school community. As pupils progress, the curriculum builds on their knowledge in an age-appropriate manner, addressing topics such as safety and healthy relationships.
Staff members report high levels of engagement and a positive work-life balance, with the school actively seeking and valuing parental input. Leaders conduct systematic reviews to assess the effectiveness of school practices, maintaining an accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. The safeguarding arrangements at Lanesfield are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school excels in many areas, it is recommended that staff consistently implement assessment policies to better meet the diverse needs of all pupils, ensuring that every student is appropriately challenged in their learning journey. Overall, Lanesfield Primary School continues to provide a high-quality education, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for its pupils.
