Lapage Primary School and Nursery, located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 21-22, 2020. The school is characterized by a caring and welcoming environment where pupils are friendly, polite, and courteous. The leadership and staff encourage students to strive for excellence in both their academic pursuits and personal development. Pupils express enjoyment in learning a diverse range of subjects and actively participate in various school trips. Early years children quickly develop their reading skills through engaging and well-structured phonics lessons, although some pupils could improve their reading by the end of key stage two.
The school promotes positive behavior through the ‘Lapage code,’ which fosters respect and attentive listening among students. Instances of unkind behavior or bullying are rare, and pupils take pride in their community involvement through projects such as organizing donations for local food banks and visiting care homes. The school community, including governors, staff, and parents, expresses pride in the school’s role within the community, highlighting the commitment to providing quality education and support for children.
Leadership at Lapage Primary School prioritizes the needs of pupils in decision-making processes, fostering a strong sense of teamwork among staff. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, extending beyond the core subjects to include enriching experiences through visits and projects. The school excels in the teaching of mathematics, with high expectations set for pupils, who demonstrate their understanding through practical applications. In English, teachers build effectively on prior knowledge, although there are areas in subjects like history and geography where the curriculum could be more demanding to deepen pupils' understanding.
Phonics instruction is effective, leading to high reading standards in early years and key stage one. However, progress in reading slows for some pupils in key stage two, prompting the school to implement strategies to enhance reading engagement. Pupils express a love for reading, even when faced with challenges, and demonstrate confidence in using various reading strategies.
The early years curriculum is ambitious and well-delivered, with staff creating engaging activities that captivate children’s interest. The school fosters independence and supports vocabulary development, resulting in happy and settled children. The inclusive ethos of the school ensures that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds, receive the necessary support to achieve well.
Despite the positive aspects, the school faces challenges with attendance, particularly among persistent absentees. Leaders are actively working to improve attendance rates to ensure that all pupils benefit from consistent schooling. The well-being of both staff and pupils is a priority, with initiatives in place to support mental health and morale among staff.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with a strong culture of safety promoted throughout the school. Staff are well-trained to identify and support at-risk pupils, ensuring timely intervention when necessary. Overall, Lapage Primary School and Nursery continues to provide a good educational experience, with a commitment to improvement in reading outcomes and attendance rates. The school’s leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where all pupils can thrive academically and personally.
