Lakeside Primary School, located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has undergone a recent inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The school has made significant strides since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The warm and welcoming environment at Lakeside Primary is underpinned by the school’s core values, encapsulated in the acronym PROUD, which fosters a sense of pride among students and staff alike. The headteacher has played a pivotal role in cultivating this positive atmosphere, ensuring that pupils develop confidence, independence, and strong character traits.
The quality of education at Lakeside Primary is commendable, with leaders demonstrating ambition for their students' success. The curriculum is designed to build on pupils' prior knowledge, particularly in reading and mathematics, where students achieve well. Reading is prioritized, and staff are dedicated to nurturing confident and fluent readers. The structured phonics program implemented ensures that pupils receive the necessary support to master basic sounds quickly. Teachers are attentive to the needs of students, especially those at risk of falling behind, providing targeted assistance to help them succeed.
Behaviour and attitudes within the school are also rated as good. Most pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate good concentration in class. Instances of bullying are rare, and pupils feel secure in the knowledge that staff will address any issues promptly. The school promotes personal development, encouraging pupils to take on responsibilities, such as the Playground Pioneers, who assist younger children during playtime. This initiative fosters a sense of community and respect among students.
While the school excels in many areas, there are aspects that require improvement. The science curriculum, in particular, has been identified as needing further development. Some pupils struggle to retain knowledge from previous topics, which hinders their understanding of scientific concepts. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to enhance the curriculum to ensure it effectively builds on prior learning. Additionally, there are instances where the curriculum does not fully meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders are focused on ensuring that support for these pupils is consistently high across all subjects.
Governance at Lakeside Primary is strong, with governors maintaining a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses. They actively monitor the school’s progress and ensure that additional funding is utilized effectively to support vulnerable children. The early years provision is also rated as good, with knowledgeable staff who create a stimulating learning environment that promotes rapid development in key areas such as reading and mathematics.
In summary, Lakeside Primary School has made notable improvements since its last inspection, achieving a good rating across various aspects of its operation. The school’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, high expectations for pupil achievement, and a focus on personal development are commendable. However, ongoing efforts are needed to enhance the science curriculum and ensure that all pupils, particularly those with special educational needs, receive the support they require to thrive. The school community, including parents, expresses confidence in the leadership and the positive changes being implemented.
