Lakeside Primary Academy, located in Clifton Moor, York, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 14 and 15, 2022. The school is characterized by a positive and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Students exhibit good behavior, politeness, and enthusiasm for their learning. They actively engage in lessons and enjoy the variety of activities available during social times. The leadership team maintains high expectations for all pupils, who consistently meet these standards and achieve well academically.
Pupils express confidence in their safety at school, with bullying being infrequent. They trust that staff will address any issues they encounter. The school implements daily check-in sessions and provides worry boxes, allowing students to communicate concerns. Older students demonstrate a mature understanding of the school’s values, which include respect, self-belief, and resilience. They appreciate the leadership roles available to them, such as eco-warriors and digital leaders.
The range of extracurricular clubs and activities offered at Lakeside is extensive, encompassing sports, arts and crafts, gardening, and chess. School leaders strive to provide opportunities that cater to the diverse interests of all pupils. The curriculum is broad and rich, with ongoing reviews to enhance its effectiveness. Leaders are reflective and open to improvements, focusing on areas that will help pupils build on their existing knowledge and apply it across subjects.
Reading is prioritized at Lakeside, with a new phonics teaching scheme introduced last year. Staff have received positive training and effectively deliver the phonics program. The school library has been developed to support classroom reading materials, and pupils are read to daily. However, some early readers face challenges as not all books align with their reading levels, which can hinder their progress. Additionally, some older pupils express less enthusiasm for reading.
Mathematics is a favorite subject among pupils, who appreciate the problem-solving approach that encourages learning from mistakes. The teaching of mathematics is well-structured, particularly in the Reception Year, where children engage in practical activities. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they can access the full curriculum.
The physical education curriculum has been revamped, and pupils enjoy the subject, confidently discussing the sports they are learning. However, some students struggle to recall key knowledge from previous lessons, which affects their ability to build on prior learning. This issue is also noted in other subjects.
Personal development is a key focus for school leaders, who enrich the curriculum with various clubs and trips that enhance learning experiences. The positive behavior of pupils is supported by the emphasis on personal development, with younger children quickly learning the routines and expectations that contribute to a positive learning environment.
Staff at Lakeside are proud to work at the school, citing effective leadership from the headteacher and strong support from the multi-academy trust. The safeguarding arrangements are robust, with a strong culture of safety and thorough procedures in place for staff appointments and concerns.
To improve further, leaders need to ensure that reading materials are better matched to pupils' abilities, allowing for more effective reading development. Additionally, the curriculum in some foundation subjects should be enhanced to support pupils in retaining important knowledge, enabling them to apply what they have learned as they progress through the school. Regular opportunities for reviewing and recalling key knowledge will help deepen pupils' understanding of essential concepts across subjects.