Lyncrest Primary School, located in Northamptonshire, has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on July 6 and 7, 2022. The school has established a positive environment where pupils express enjoyment in attending, highlighting a strong sense of community fostered by the leadership. The school promotes values such as respect, compassion, and perseverance, which are reflected in the behavior of the pupils. High expectations set by leaders and teachers contribute to good behavior, with a rewards system in place that encourages positive conduct. The school effectively addresses bullying, ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported.
The leadership team is ambitious for all pupils to succeed, with particular attention given to disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has implemented a daily routine that allows staff to connect with pupils and their families, ensuring that individual needs are understood and met. Pupils feel secure in their environment, and the school prioritizes mental well-being, especially in light of challenges posed by the pandemic. Opportunities for pupils to engage in various roles, such as librarians and school councillors, further enhance their sense of belonging and responsibility.
The curriculum at Lyncrest is well-structured and ambitious, with leaders having identified the school’s needs to drive improvement. Staff are clear about their roles in enhancing the school’s performance. The curriculum not only meets national standards but also extends beyond them in certain subjects, allowing pupils to gain a broad knowledge base. Teachers employ effective strategies to help pupils recall previous learning, although there are areas where retention could be improved.
Reading is a key focus, starting from nursery, with staff trained to provide appropriate support. Pupils are given books that align with their phonics knowledge, and parents appreciate the guidance they receive to assist their children in learning to read. The school offers a diverse selection of reading materials, and pupils express enjoyment in reading, recognizing its importance in their education.
Staff development is prioritized, with leaders ensuring that all educators possess the necessary expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively. Consideration for staff well-being has led to high morale among the team. The personal, social, health, and economic education curriculum is tailored to the community's needs, although there is room for improvement in helping pupils understand the significance of British values.
The school has made commendable progress in supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, with parents reporting positive outcomes in their children's academic and personal development. Attendance has fluctuated due to the pandemic, but leaders are actively working to improve this by setting high expectations and tracking attendance closely.
Parental support for the school is strong, with many expressing satisfaction with the care and encouragement their children receive. Governors are engaged and aware of the school’s strengths and areas for growth, ensuring accountability in leadership. The early years foundation stage is recognized as a strength, with skilled staff fostering strong relationships with children and providing a well-sequenced curriculum that promotes broad knowledge development.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with staff trained to identify and report concerns. Pupils are educated on online safety and feel confident that their worries will be addressed. While the school has many strengths, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in enhancing the understanding of British values among pupils and ensuring consistent assessment practices across all subjects to support knowledge retention.
