Lea Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils and parents and carers are full of praise for this vibrant and happy school. Parents wholeheartedly support the school's ethos. They typically say that their children thrive because of the 'fantastic culture where children are excited to excel', describing the school as 'an asset of the community'.

Pupils appreciate the interesting lessons and the wide range of activities such as outdoor learning, trips and sports.

A love of learning is at the heart of the school. In lessons, pupils are attentive and enthusiastic learners.

In discussion, many pupils could explain their learning with confidence. They demonstrate a mature and sophisticated understanding ...of the curriculum. Pupils who require extra support receive the help they need to access the full curriculum.

This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and those who speak English as an additional language. Standards of achievement in English and mathematics tests are at least in line with the national average, and often above.

Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

They treat one another, and adults, with courtesy and respect. The provision for pupils' wider personal development is a distinctive strength. The school goes above and beyond to provide an impressive programme of enrichment activities.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has designed a well-established curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils to develop secure knowledge and skills in all subjects. The school successfully draws on the specialist subject expertise of the staff across the federation. This means that the curriculum has been carefully planned and sequenced and adapted to the school's context.

For example, pupils are proud of their local heritage as a school founded by Florence Nightingale. They enjoy receiving visitors and learning about the local National Tramway Museum and the Cromford UNESCO World Heritage site. The curriculum strongly supports pupils to embody the school's vision to 'embrace the love of learning and enjoy coming to school'.

In lessons, staff use their expert subject knowledge to provide stimulating activities designed to help pupils apply what they know to new concepts. Any uncertainty is quickly spotted and discussed, through teachers' regular checks on pupils' understanding. Pupils develop qualities of resilience and determination.

Their attitudes to learning are impressive, as observed in a range of subjects and lessons including mathematics, science, history and physical education.

The school prioritises reading as central to the curriculum. Children begin to learn phonics straight away in the Reception class.

As a result of the well-planned, systematic approach, pupils develop very well as confident readers. Staff are well equipped to provide practice sessions for any who need extra help. Books are celebrated and pupils are encouraged to develop a deep love of reading.

The school is ambitious for pupils with SEND to achieve as highly as possible through the personalised support they receive. Pupils with SEND are fully included in all aspects of school life.

Children in the early years have an exceptional start to their schooling.

The curriculum is designed to provide a firm foundation for all children. The adults work as a highly experienced team to plan meaningful activities in the inspiring indoor and outdoor areas. There is a very sharp focus on children's vocabulary and language development.

Children chatted proudly about ambitious vocabulary they had learned such as 'atrocious', 'determined' and 'devour'. Impressively, they could put these words into sentences and explain the meaning! Children in the early years are extremely well prepared for the next steps in their education.

The school's bespoke 'enrichment curriculum' is a unique feature of the provision to enhance pupils' broader personal development.

The scope and depth of this work is exceptional. The programme, which is delivered weekly, encompasses themes such as personal, social, health and relationships education, British values, outdoor learning, sustainability, equalities, and many more. The activities provide all pupils, including those with SEND, with an 'opportunity to shine'.

Pupils speak highly of these rich experiences, saying that they help them to understand 'life outside of school'. They are extremely well prepared as young citizens.

Governors fulfil their role very well.

They provide well-informed support and challenge for the school. Staff are overwhelmingly positive about the school, saying that they highly value the care and support shown by leaders for their workload and well-being.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.