Lakenheath Community Primary School, located in Suffolk, has recently undergone an inspection on February 14 and 15, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This marks a significant improvement from its previous inspection, which rated the school as requiring improvement.
Pupils at Lakenheath Community Primary School express enjoyment in attending this friendly village school, taking pride in their achievements and the school’s values, known as the 6Rs, which include resilience, resourcefulness, and reflection. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a supportive environment where students feel secure and confident. The school emphasizes the importance of online safety and encourages pupils to seek help when needed, fostering a culture of care and support.
From the early years, children are taught the significance of the school’s values, motivating them to demonstrate these qualities through various activities, such as collecting raffle tickets. The school promotes politeness and helpfulness, which aids in developing well-rounded individuals. Pupils engage in local, national, and international charity work, enhancing their understanding of empathy. They also have numerous opportunities to participate in sports and take on leadership roles, which are valued by the students.
The school has designed an ambitious and engaging curriculum that breaks down essential knowledge and skills into a clear sequence across most subjects. This approach helps pupils connect prior knowledge with new learning, starting from the early years. However, there are areas where the curriculum lacks precision, which can hinder pupils from building on their prior knowledge effectively. Teachers possess good subject knowledge and present information clearly, ensuring that pupils understand important content. The early years staff provide well-chosen activities that prepare children for Year 1.
The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), identifying those who require additional help promptly and ensuring they receive the necessary support. Staff are trained in SEND, allowing all pupils to access the same curriculum. The school prioritizes reading, with staff trained to teach phonics consistently. Children learn to read fluently and accurately, with timely support provided to those who need it.
Behaviour management is consistent across the school, promoting respect and cooperation among pupils. Most students attend school regularly, although some do not, prompting the school to offer additional support to improve attendance rates. The school also emphasizes the importance of mental health and resilience, teaching pupils about healthy living and acceptance of differences.
Staff at Lakenheath Community Primary School are dedicated and share the school’s ambition for providing the best education. Leaders are attentive to staff well-being, especially during periods of change. The governing body is knowledgeable and skilled, effectively supporting and holding school leaders accountable.
The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To improve further, the school needs to enhance the precision of knowledge and skills progression in some subjects and continue to address attendance issues for a small number of pupils. Overall, Lakenheath Community Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
