Lilycroft Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. The visionary headteacher has successfully led the school through very challenging times. Despite the upheaval, the rigorous systems that have been introduced have improved pupils' progress and caused an upward trend in attainment.

Excellent professional training for staff has erradicated previously inadequate teaching. The staffing is now stable, with high quality senior leaders and middle managers. Achievement is good.

The attainment of children entering the Reception class is well below that typical for their age. All pupils make good progress, so by the end of Year 6, attainment is broadly average. However, their attainment and progr...ess in mathematics is sometimes variable.

Teaching is good. However, there is some inconsistency in the quality of teaching mathematics. Many support staff are skilled and make a valuable contribution to pupils' learning, but a handful still have a limited understanding of their role.

In addition to the greatly improved quality of teaching, pupils' progress has improved due to imaginative changes to the curriculum which means that it now reflects the needs of the pupils and of the community. A further factor in pupils' improved progress is the rise in attendance which is now above average. The drive on punctuality is reaping benefits.

There has been significant improvement in pupils' attitudes and behaviour. As a result of adults' consistent application of the behaviour policy, and intitiatives such as the first-rate 'nurture group', behaviour is good. Pupils who have previously behaved poorly are now taking responsibility for their actions.

Leaders provide exceptional opportunities for parents to be involved in their child's education. Parents especially appreciate the weekly meetings for each year group to chat through the week's topics and hear how they can help at home. It is not yet an outstanding school because : Pupils' achievements in mathematics are too variable because of inconsistencies in the quality of teaching in the subject.

While considerable work has been undertaken with teaching assistants, the contribution they make to pupils' learning is still patchy.

Information about this school

This is a larger than average size inner city primary school. The proportion of pupils known to be elegible for the pupil premium is above average.

The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. Almost all pupils are of Pakistani heritage. A small number are from India or Eastern Europe.

A higher than average proportion is new to English, or do not speak English at home. The school meets the government's current floor standard which sets the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The school has experienced considerable staffing changes, particularly in key posts, since the last inspection.

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