Lavender Primary School, located in Enfield, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 14-15, 2020. The school is characterized by a positive atmosphere where pupils feel safe and enjoy their learning experience. The core values of the school, referred to as ‘Lavender Love,’ are deeply embedded in its culture, fostering a warm and welcoming environment. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, actively engaging in their studies and demonstrating respect for one another. Teachers create interesting lessons that captivate students, encouraging them to reflect on their learning and develop independent thinking skills.
During break times, students socialize well and report minimal issues with bullying, expressing confidence in the school's ability to address any concerns. Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school's nurturing approach, noting the prompt resolution of issues and the staff's sensitivity towards children facing challenges. The school’s commitment to equality is also highly regarded by parents.
The leadership team at Lavender Primary School is dedicated to providing the best educational experience for its pupils. They have meticulously planned the curriculum to ensure that learning builds on prior knowledge. Opportunities for learning extend beyond the classroom, with a focus on developing pupils' understanding of mental health and social responsibility. The school encourages pupils to engage in community support activities, such as food collection for those in need, which fosters a sense of care and concern for others.
Reading is a priority at Lavender Primary School, with a well-structured phonics program in place. In the early years, children's needs are carefully assessed, and teachers utilize stories to enhance their understanding of letters and sounds. However, there are inconsistencies in the phonics teaching in Key Stage 1, where some staff require additional training. Furthermore, pupils struggling with early reading do not always receive appropriate books to support their progress, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Older pupils express a strong enjoyment of reading, with access to high-quality literature that supports their comprehension and vocabulary development. The school's approach to mathematics encourages flexible thinking and problem-solving, with a well-planned sequence of learning from Reception to Year 6. Teachers are adept at identifying and addressing pupils' difficulties, ensuring that all students are challenged and engaged.
In history, the curriculum is designed to deepen pupils' understanding of past events through the use of various resources, including artifacts and literature. Leaders ensure that pupils with special educational needs learn alongside their peers and have access to the full curriculum, achieving well across subjects.
Governors and trustees are ambitious for all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged. They actively monitor the school's performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, which enables them to hold leaders accountable for the school's development.
The safeguarding arrangements at Lavender Primary School are effective, with thorough checks conducted on all staff. Training ensures that staff are aware of safeguarding concerns and know how to act on them. Regular discussions and quizzes keep safeguarding at the forefront of everyone's mind, and the school adapts its teaching to address local risks, ensuring pupils learn how to keep themselves safe.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of phonics teaching and ensuring that lower-ability pupils receive appropriate reading materials. Overall, Lavender Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a strong commitment to the well-being and development of its pupils.
