Lickhill Primary School, located in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, has recently undergone an inspection on December 13 and 14, 2023. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, moving from a grade of Requires Improvement to an overall effectiveness rating of Good. The quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as Good, while behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development, have been rated as Outstanding.
Under the leadership of Principal Jane Lloyd, the school is part of the Central Region Schools Trust, which provides additional support and oversight. The trust is led by CEO Guy Shears and overseen by a board of trustees chaired by Eric Griffiths. The school has also welcomed an executive principal, Sarah Bates, who oversees Lickhill and five other schools.
Pupils and staff at Lickhill Primary School take pride in their educational environment, where the development of each child is prioritized. The school promotes high expectations for behaviour and academic performance, fostering a culture where pupils understand the importance of good conduct and are supported in correcting any missteps. The ethos of the school is encapsulated in the saying, It’s not how we mess up that’s important; it’s how we make up, which reflects a supportive approach to learning and behaviour.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that every child learns to read, starting from early years with engaging activities that introduce letters and sounds. Staff training has been effective, enabling teachers to provide necessary support for pupils who struggle with reading, resulting in significant improvements in literacy. The school library has been reorganized to encourage a diverse range of reading materials, which pupils have responded to positively.
The curriculum has been significantly improved, with a well-sequenced and ambitious framework that supports all pupils. Teachers actively check for understanding during lessons and provide additional help where needed. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in clearly identifying the essential knowledge that all pupils should retain over time, which would enhance assessment accuracy.
In early years, children engage in well-planned activities that prepare them for the transition to Year One. While the indoor learning environment is well-organized, the outdoor area requires better planning to maximize its potential for exploration and independence.
The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers. This inclusive approach has led to positive outcomes for these pupils, with parents expressing satisfaction with the support provided.
Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, and staff have worked collaboratively with them to address any barriers to learning. The school has implemented a colour-coded behaviour management system that pupils find helpful in managing their emotions. Behaviour throughout the school is calm and respectful, with a low incidence of bullying, and pupils feel confident that any concerns will be addressed promptly.
The school has made strides in improving attendance by working closely with parents to identify and eliminate barriers to regular attendance. The personal development of pupils is integrated into all aspects of school life, with a curriculum that encourages reflection, debate on social issues, and cultural awareness. Pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys and understand the importance of equality and respect.
The leadership team prioritizes the well-being of staff, ensuring they receive support and training to facilitate improvements. The local governing board plays a crucial role in the school's ongoing development, with clear responsibilities and a commitment to enhancing the school's performance.
Overall, Lickhill Primary School has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, with effective leadership and a focus on the holistic development of its pupils. The school is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of improvement and success.
