Lumley Infant and Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Children thrive in the happy, family atmosphere of this school. All make outstanding progress in their learning and personal development. More pupils in Year 2 reach expected standards and higher than expected standards than nationally.

What the school does to help pupils read is excellent. They become confident readers who love books. Teaching is outstanding overall and never less than good.

All teachers have excellent relationships with their pupils. Teachers' knowledge of pupils means that they match work carefully to get the best out of them. Occasionally, where teaching is good, pupils are not given enough opportuni...ties to work independently or think for themselves and use their own ideas.

Teachers mark pupils' work regularly using a system of symbols which pupils understand. However, school leaders are aware that pupils have not been given the opportunity to respond to the marking to help them develop their learning further. Pupils enjoy their lessons and work hard because teachers make learning fun, imaginative and exciting.

Behaviour in the school is exemplary. Pupils play together well in the playground supported by enthusiastic adults. Lunchtimes are enjoyable occasions to chat with friends.

As a result, pupils say they feel very safe in school. All members of staff say they enjoy working in the school and are fully committed to ensuring that pupils receive the best education they can. The headteacher and senior leaders have an in-depth knowledge of the school's strengths and areas to develop.

As a result, they are quick to address any concerns. They have successfully and rapidly improved the achievement of pupils entitled to pupil premium funding, for example. The governing body acts as a highly effective critical friend, enabling the school to improve and develop successfully.

Governors understand the school's priorities well and have very good procedures to check first-hand what is happening in school. The curriculum is outstanding. It is organised so that there are clear steps to build up knowledge and understanding but in a way which is relevant, exciting and practical.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average sized school. Nearly all pupils are of White British heritage and speak English as their home language. The percentage of pupils known to be eligible for pupil premium funding (additional funding for those who are eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those children who are looked after by the local authority) is below average.

The proportion of children who need extra help with their learning and are supported through school action, school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is below average. The school holds a number of awards including enhanced Healthy School status and the Basic Skills Quality Mark. The school is recognised as a Leadership Development School and provides support and advice to other schools when it is requested.