Lakeside Primary School, located in Glascote, Tamworth, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 28 and 29, 2022. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and secure. The extended grounds and fields are appreciated by students, who engage in both play and learning. The leadership team sets high aspirations for all students, emphasizing the core values of kindness, respect, and tolerance. Pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, learn from their mistakes, and maintain perseverance, fostering a sense of pride in their school.
From the outset, children are introduced to the school's five golden behavior rules, which promote good manners, active listening, and cooperation. This structured approach contributes to a positive atmosphere where behavior is generally good, and incidents of bullying are rare. Pupils express confidence in the fairness of adults in addressing any issues that arise, a sentiment echoed by parents and carers.
The curriculum at Lakeside Primary School is comprehensive, with teachers having raised expectations for student learning across various subjects. Pupils enjoy diverse learning experiences, including collaborations with the University of Birmingham and interactive theater visits. The school maintains strong connections with local sports clubs, offering a variety of after-school activities that enhance student engagement. The community's pride in local history is evident, particularly with the excitement surrounding the Commonwealth Games baton passing through Tamworth.
The school operates with a strong sense of teamwork, with leaders demonstrating ambition and governors being well-informed about the school's performance. Relationships within the school are built on trust, and leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that has been effectively implemented despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Subject leaders share their expertise with staff, ensuring that curriculum planning is well-structured and focused on essential knowledge and vocabulary.
However, some subject leaders need to enhance their understanding of how early years learning connects to their subjects, leading to lower expectations for what children can achieve upon entering Year 1. Leaders have made significant strides in improving early reading instruction, ensuring that children engage in language-rich activities from the start. In Reception, a structured phonics program is in place, with books aligned to the sounds being taught. While teachers maintain high expectations and monitor student progress, some pupils require more time to practice and apply their phonics skills to become confident readers.
Mathematics instruction is effective, with a clear focus on building confidence and mental fluency from early years through Year 6. Practical activities, stories, and rhymes are utilized to teach early number concepts, and mathematical language is promoted throughout the school. Recent initiatives have been introduced to help pupils recall and apply mathematical knowledge with speed and accuracy.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive the same curriculum as their peers. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all students, allowing those with high levels of need to achieve well. The curriculum broadens pupils' experiences across various subjects, fostering discussions about significant historical figures and artistic concepts.
Staff well-being is prioritized, with leaders being supportive and considerate of workload. Staff feel valued and included in curriculum development, appreciating the training and resources provided. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a dedicated team ensuring that students' safety is a top priority. The curriculum also includes lessons on online safety and healthy relationships, equipping pupils with essential knowledge for their well-being. Overall, Lakeside Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
