Lace Hill Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher has worked with mounting assurance since the school's inception in 2015, establishing a very effective provision. Pupils concur and appreciate all that is on offer. Up until this point, the headteacher, leaning appropriately upon helpful external expertise, has worked predominantly self-reliantly.

Following the appointment of the deputy headteacher, the school's leadership structure now has greater breadth and depth. Nevertheless, the school's middle leadership tier remains underdeveloped. School leaders and trustees have a sound view of how well the school is performing and where it needs to do better.

However, their over...sight of the school's provision for pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities is less secure. Pupils achieve well, particularly in key stage 1 in reading, writing and mathematics. In key stage 2, some pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, are not yet achieving their full potential, particularly in writing.

Pupils talk excitedly about reading and their favourite books. Most, from the earliest stages, quickly develop a secure love of reading for pleasure. Teaching assistants are highly skilled and make a positive difference to pupils' achievements.

Most pupils make good progress because of effective teaching, including in the early years. However, some teachers' expectations of what pupils can achieve, particularly in writing, are not demanding enough. Transition arrangements, including in the early years, are highly effective.

Pupils who join the school at various stages settle quickly into the swing of what is expected. Many parents and carers, including those relatively new to the school, are full of praise for the school's provision. However, some noted that the school's communication with families could be strengthened.

Most pupils behave well and attend regularly. However, a minority of disadvantaged pupils are absent too often. The school's work, including that of the local governing board, to promote equality and diversity is first rate.

Strategies to eliminate incidents of racism completely have been highly successful. Children make good progress in their early years. They benefit from highly positive and nurturing relationships with adults.

However, the quality of leadership of this department is at an early stage.

Information about this school

Lace Hill Academy is an average-sized primary school. The school opened in September 2015 under the leadership of the current headteacher.

The school is part of the Bourton Meadow Education Trust. The trust has recently expanded and now includes five schools, including two in Northamptonshire. The deputy headteacher took up her leadership appointment in September 2018, after serving as a class teacher in the school since it opened.

The majority of pupils are White British. Others come from a range of different ethnic backgrounds. The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is below average.

The proportion of disadvantaged pupils who are supported by the pupil premium is below the national average. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is below the national average. The school uses an outsider provider to run a breakfast club and an after-school club on site.

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