Knowsley Lane Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school The absolute commitment, clear vision and relentless efforts of the senior leaders, local advisory body and academy trustees have made Knowsley Lane Primary a flourishing and highly successful school.

Staff have high expectations and plan activities that enable pupils to make rapid progress. Lessons are interesting and set at the right level for all pupils. Creative and consistently high-quality teaching makes learning enjoyable and inspires pupils to do their best.

Staff morale is high, even though they are constantly challenged to improve the quality of teaching. Staff receive excellent support and their efforts are always value...d and appreciated. Throughout the school, all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), those who speak English as an additional language and the most able pupils, make rapid progress.

By the end of Year 6, standards are above average. Disadvantaged pupils have caught up so that they achieve as well as other pupils nationally. Children in early years make exceptional progress from their different starting points.

The curriculum is innovative and stimulating, combining essential skills and knowledge with exciting and meaningful experiences. As a result, pupils make sustained progress across a range of subjects. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development very effectively.

Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain because of the school's emphasis on personal values and building a harmonious community in which everyone demonstrates thoughtfulness and respect. Pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and around the school. Pupils say they feel completely safe in school and are very well looked after.

Exemplary practice ensures that pupils are kept safe. Highly experienced governors are passionate in their support for the school and in their challenge to school leaders. Effective governance has been integral to rapid school improvement.

Attendance remains a challenge for the school, although it has improved steadily over the last four years. Although supportive of the school, some parents and carers do not take an active part in their children's learning.

Information about this school

The school is similar in size to most other primary schools.

It opened in 2014 and is part of the SS Simon and Jude CE Academy Trust, which is also known as the Vantage Academy Trust. Children attend Nursery part time and attend Reception full time. At least half of the children in Reception join the school from other or no early years settings.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. Very few pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils with SEND is similar to the national average.

The proportion of pupils with an education, health and care plan is above average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils eligible for support through pupil premium funding is high. It is almost three times the national average.

The local governing body provides a breakfast club for pupils who attend the school. Since the previous inspection, three governors with a background in education have joined the local governing body. The school does not use alternative provision.

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