Lander Road Primary School in Litherland, Liverpool, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 22 and 23, 2023. The school is noted for its warm and inclusive environment, where pupils feel encouraged to achieve their best. Leaders at the school have high expectations for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to support independent and resilient learners from Nursery through Year 6.
Pupils engage actively in their learning and demonstrate polite and kind behavior towards each other and staff. They express confidence in the staff's ability to address any concerns or bullying, contributing to a safe and happy school atmosphere. Parents and carers appreciate the opportunities provided by the school to extend learning beyond the classroom, with overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the care and support offered by the staff.
The school excels in its curriculum design, particularly for early years, ensuring that children in Nursery and Reception are well-prepared for key stage 1. The youngest children adapt well to routines, and activities are tailored to spark their interest in the world around them. The curriculum emphasizes essential knowledge that pupils should retain, and teachers are well-trained to deliver this curriculum effectively. Assessment strategies are employed to monitor pupil understanding, although there are inconsistencies in some subjects that may hinder all pupils from meeting the high academic expectations set by leaders.
Reading is a priority at Lander Road, with a structured phonics program introduced early. However, some pupils in key stage 1 and lower key stage 2 struggle with reading fluency, which affects their ability to fully engage with the curriculum. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to enhance support for these pupils to improve their reading skills.
The school environment is calm and orderly, with older pupils helping to reinforce behavior expectations among younger students. This positive atmosphere allows for uninterrupted learning. Transition processes from early years to key stage 1 are well-planned, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the curriculum according to their needs.
Lander Road also prioritizes the broader development of pupils, offering a variety of enrichment activities such as educational trips that connect to the curriculum. Governors play an active role in monitoring the quality of education and support leaders in refining the curriculum while considering staff workload and well-being.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with all staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns. The school promotes safety awareness among pupils, teaching them how to stay safe in various situations.
Despite its strengths, the school recognizes areas for improvement. The additional support for early reading is not consistently effective, leading to some pupils lacking the necessary fluency. Leaders are encouraged to review and enhance this support. Additionally, there are subjects where curriculum delivery is not sufficiently monitored, resulting in some pupils not achieving a deep understanding of the material. Leaders must ensure that staff are adequately supported to deliver the intended curriculum confidently.
Overall, Lander Road Primary School continues to provide a good education, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment while striving for continuous improvement in teaching and learning outcomes.
