Lower Meadow Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Leaders have a clear, ambitious vision.

They want nothing less than the best for all the pupils. Leaders have a thorough understanding of the school's strengths and areas for development. Their plans for improvement are all clearly focused on improving outcomes for pupils.

Governance is strong. Leaders are challenged and held to account for their actions. The curriculum is broad and balanced.

It is enriched with a wide range of different experiences. There is a strong culture of safeguarding across the school. Current pupils are making good progress across the curriculum.

Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educ...ational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported and therefore make good progress. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They work hard and are keen to find out how they can improve.

Pupils are well behaved in lessons, when moving around school and at breaktimes. Leaders have been quick to address concerns raised by parents about behaviour during social times. English and mathematics leaders, with support from the trust, are having a positive effect on teaching and learning.

However, the impact of other subject leaders is not as strong. Teachers give clear explanations and use questioning well. They have high expectations and generally set demanding tasks.

However, middle-attaining pupils are not always given enough challenge. Phonics is consistently well taught across the school. However, the books that pupils are asked to read to practise their skills are not always well matched to their phonics knowledge.

Children in the early years make good progress from typically low starting points. The outdoor learning environment has recently been improved but is not number or language rich. Attendance has improved and is broadly in line with the national average.

However, too many boys still miss school frequently.

Information about this school

Lower Meadow Primary School is a slightly larger than average-sized primary school. The school joined the Astrea Multi-Academy Trust in July 2016.

The TMB has responsibility for governance and reports to the trust executive board. The current principal took up her post in December 2017. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is much higher than that found nationally.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is lower than that found nationally. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above average. The school runs a breakfast club each morning.