Lumbertubs Primary School, located in Northampton, has recently undergone its first inspection since becoming an academy. The inspection, conducted on January 11 and 12, 2023, evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The school is characterized by a welcoming and caring environment where pupils feel at home and support one another. The positive atmosphere is reflected in the pupils' respect for each other's differences and their commitment to the school's vision of aiming for the top.
Staff at Lumbertubs Primary School maintain high expectations for their pupils, who are encouraged to be good learners. The school promotes a culture of perseverance and collaboration, which contributes to the overall success of the students. Pupils exhibit good behavior, actively listening to one another during lessons and demonstrating positive attitudes towards their learning. The school has instilled positive behaviors from the early years, and pupils report that bullying is rare, with swift action taken by leaders if any incidents occur. This proactive approach fosters a sense of safety among the students.
Leadership at the school is focused on continuous improvement, particularly in the curriculum. Leaders have made significant strides in subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science, ensuring that the curriculum is logically sequenced and that essential knowledge is clearly identified. However, there are still some foundation subjects where the precise knowledge to be learned over time has not been fully established. Staff effectively deliver the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those who speak English as an additional language.
Reading is prioritized at Lumbertubs Primary School, with staff well-trained in delivering an effective early reading and phonics program. Pupils in the early years and key stage one learn new sounds in a logical order, and those who fall behind receive prompt support. The school encourages a love of reading, with pupils enjoying reading to the school dog and participating in initiatives that reward reading at home.
The school also provides strong pastoral support, helping pupils manage their emotions and fostering a nurturing environment. Children in the early years are described as happy and curious learners, quickly adapting to routines and engaging in shared activities. While attendance is improving, there remains a concern regarding the number of pupils who are regularly absent, which impacts their learning and achievement.
Beyond the academic curriculum, pupils engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports and charity work, which help them learn about respect and democracy. Staff morale is high, with a strong sense of teamwork and support among colleagues. The positive relationships among staff and leaders serve as a model for pupils, contributing to a happy school environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Lumbertubs Primary School are effective, with thorough training for staff and a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. Leaders ensure that pupils learn how to stay safe, including online safety. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, there are areas for improvement, particularly in developing the curriculum for some foundation subjects and addressing attendance issues to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential.
