Ofsted conducted a monitoring inspection of Lily Lane Primary School on January 11 and 12, 2023, following its previous judgment that the school required special measures in May 2022. The inspection aimed to assess the progress made since that time. The findings indicate that while some improvements have been made, the school remains inadequate and still requires special measures.
The leadership structure has seen changes since the last inspection, with Sarah Murray appointed as the part-time executive headteacher in September 2022. An interim executive board was established to replace the previous governing body, comprising members with relevant expertise. New teachers have joined the school, and additional external staff have been appointed to enhance support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The inspection focused on areas identified for improvement in the previous report, particularly safeguarding, which was previously deemed ineffective. The new leadership has prioritized pupil safety and behavior, implementing a new behavior policy that has led to a marked improvement in the school environment. Pupils and staff reported a positive shift in behavior, contributing to a calmer and more orderly atmosphere conducive to learning.
Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. The curriculum has been a focal point for improvement, with efforts made to ensure that pupils receive a comprehensive education across all national curriculum subjects. However, some subject leaders lack the necessary skills to evaluate and enhance the curriculum effectively. Teachers' use of assessment strategies is also weak, hindering their ability to identify and address gaps in pupils' knowledge.
In terms of support for pupils with special educational needs, the school has made strides in providing timely and effective assistance. New systems have been introduced for early identification of needs, and pupils are now spending more time in mainstream classrooms. However, staff training remains a concern, as teachers and teaching assistants require further development to adapt their teaching methods for these pupils effectively.
The leadership team has worked to clarify roles and responsibilities within the school, fostering a sense of teamwork among staff. This has been complemented by performance management systems that align staff efforts with the school's improvement goals. Staff morale has improved, with many appreciating the clarity and support provided by the leadership.
While safeguarding has improved, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that all procedures are robust and effective. The local authority has played a crucial role in supporting the school, particularly in addressing safeguarding concerns. Regular training and updates for staff have been implemented to maintain vigilance regarding pupil safety.
The school has faced challenges related to staffing instability, particularly in the early years, which has impacted the implementation of the curriculum. Leaders have reorganized staffing to strengthen early years provision, and progress is being made in designing a curriculum that meets the needs of young learners.
Overall, while there have been positive developments in behavior, leadership, and support for vulnerable pupils, significant work remains to be done to improve the quality of education and ensure that the school meets the necessary standards. The next steps will involve continued focus on curriculum development, staff training, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all pupils. The school is on a path of improvement, but it must sustain momentum to achieve the desired outcomes for its students.
