Lever House Primary School, located in Leyland, Lancashire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on March 28 and 29, 2023. The school has maintained this good rating since its previous inspection in December 2017. The overall effectiveness of the school, along with the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all received a good rating.
The school emphasizes a nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued. From the early years, the school instills its core values of being safe, positive, ambitious, respectful, and kind. These values are evident in the daily interactions among pupils and staff, fostering a positive atmosphere conducive to learning. Pupils express pride in attending Lever House, and parents report that their children leave school happy and smiling. The relationships between staff and pupils are characterized by care and support, ensuring that pupils feel comfortable discussing any concerns they may have.
Pupils at Lever House are described as eager and inquisitive learners, benefiting from a broad and ambitious curriculum that encourages curiosity about the world. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders have carefully planned the curriculum to ensure that pupils build on their prior knowledge and vocabulary across subjects. Regular opportunities for revisiting prior learning help pupils retain information over time.
While the curriculum is well-established in most subjects, there are a few areas where clarity regarding the knowledge pupils should acquire is still being finalized. This has led to some teachers being uncertain about the specific content to teach, resulting in minor gaps in pupils' understanding. Leaders are aware of this and are working to finalize the curriculum in these subjects to ensure consistency in teaching.
Professional development for staff is prioritized, with teachers and learning support assistants receiving high-quality training to enhance their subject knowledge. This enables them to effectively support pupils' learning. Assessment strategies are employed to monitor pupils' understanding and identify those who may need additional support.
Reading is a significant focus at Lever House, with leaders ensuring that pupils develop strong reading skills from the early years. Routines for reading are established in Reception and built upon in subsequent years. Teachers provide phonics lessons that are progressive and tailored to pupils' needs, ensuring that most pupils learn to read quickly and fluently. Support is readily available for those who may fall behind.
The school promotes personal development by encouraging pupils to engage in activities that foster resilience and responsibility. Opportunities for leadership and participation in school councils are valued by pupils. The school also emphasizes the importance of healthy living and outdoor learning experiences.
Governance at Lever House is strong, with governors providing a balance of support and challenge to school leaders. Staff express appreciation for the support they receive, particularly in managing their workload. The school community is characterized by a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to concerns promptly. Pupils are educated about safety through age-appropriate themes integrated into the curriculum.
In summary, Lever House Primary School is a good school that provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. The leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils succeed academically and develop personally, while also addressing areas for improvement in the curriculum. The school community is proud of its achievements and is committed to fostering a positive educational experience for all its pupils.
