Lark Rise Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. • The headteacher is unswerving in her determination to ensure the very best for all the pupils.

In a relatively short period of time, she has assembled a highly effective leadership team. • Achievement is outstanding and by the end of Year 4, pupils reach high standards in reading, writing and mathematics. • Teaching is consistently at least good and much is outstanding.

Teachers make sure the work in lessons is challenging but achievable for all ability groups. Marking is detailed but teachers do not always make sure pupils act on the guidance provided to help improve their work. • In the Early Years Foundation Stage, good teac...hing and careful evaluation of children's progress ensure that they do well in their learning.

They are not encouraged so effectively to investigate and to think for themselves. • Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. They are motivated, determined and show a strong willingness to persevere when the learning becomes more challenging.

They rise to every challenge very well and they believe that all the staff are keen for them to achieve highly. • The standards of care and support are excellent. Pupils say how safe and happy they feel at the academy.

• Parents overwhelmingly support the academy. They believe that it provides a safe and caring place for their children to learn. • The governing body works very effectively with the school's leaders and managers in raising achievement and improving the quality of teaching.

Governors fully contribute to the success of the academy and are rigorous in how they support and challenge the staff.

Information about this school

• Lark Rise Lower School became an academy in October 2010. When the predecessor school of the same name was last inspected in 2007 it was graded as outstanding.

• The academy has plans to grow until it covers the full primary age range. • This is a larger than average-sized school. Currently, all classes are vertically grouped with three Year 1 and 2 classes in Key Stage 1 and three Year 3 and 4 classes in Key Stage 2.

All classes in both key stages are grouped according to pupils' ability in English and mathematics. • The vast majority of pupils are of White British heritage. • The proportion of pupils entitled to the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for looked after children, pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and pupils of service families, is well below the national average.

• The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is well below the national average, as is the proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. • Up until this year, the pupils have moved on to various local middle schools at the end of Year 4. There are no Year 6 test results that can be compared with the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum levels expected for pupils' attainment and progress.

• The academy operates a breakfast club and an after-school club. Both clubs are managed by the governing body. • The stability of the school population is well above the national average.