Park Lane Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

The school is a welcoming and friendly community of pupils and staff.

Pupils say good morning to visitors, hold doors open and are very helpful. They are happy, safe and cheerful. Staff know pupils well and care for them.

Positive relationships exist between staff and pupils and among pupils.

Leaders and staff want all pupils to succeed. Most pupils work hard to achieve their very best.

Leaders link their plans to develop the school further to the trust's values of 'proud traditions', 'wide horizons' and 'high achievement'. Pupils speak confidently about these values and how they relate to school life.

Behaviour is mostly positive in classro...oms and around the school.

Pupils understand the rewards for good behaviour and the consequences of negative behaviour. However, at times, some pupils do not always focus well on their work.

Pupils have a clear understanding of the different types of bullying.

They say that when it does happen, staff deal with it straight away.

Many parents and carers speak well of the school. They value the high expectations and the range of activities available for the pupils.

Some parents are not as positive about certain aspects, such as communication.

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

When children join the Nursery and Reception classes, they settle quickly. Children really thrive in the early years.

They are joyful, confident and keen to share their ideas. This is because staff work closely with families before their children start school. Children are always learning lots of new things due to the work of highly skilled staff.

Activities consistently build on what children already know. The classroom and outdoor areas are colourful, exciting and support learning well. Strong, caring relationships exist between the staff and the children.

Children love to learn and play with their friends. Staff maintain strong links with families throughout the year.

In many subjects, including English and mathematics, the curriculum is well planned.

In these subjects, teachers are clear about what pupils need to learn. This helps teachers to plan lessons that build on what pupils have learned before. Pupils learn the right things, in the right order, at the right time and achieve well.

Standards achieved in national tests in English and mathematics are now above the national averages. Pupils who are disadvantaged also do very well.

In some subjects, such as geography, the order of learning is not so well planned.

Lessons do not always build on what pupils have learned before. Teachers have to go back and fill gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills. Therefore, pupils are not achieving as well as they could in these areas.

Teachers provide work that is interesting and enjoyable. Pupils' understanding is deepened because of teachers' and teaching assistants' highly effective questioning. In most cases, pupils' needs are met as the work set is matched to their ability.

However, this is not always the case for pupils who require additional support. This includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These pupils sometimes find the work too difficult and they rely too heavily on help from members of staff.

Pupils listen to their teacher, follow instructions and complete the work set most of the time. In these instances, teachers can teach and pupils can learn. However, at times, occasional low-level disruption interrupts learning.

Staff respond to this quickly. The school supports pupils who display challenging behaviour well. Every day is a new start.

Staff organise a wide range of free trips, after-school clubs and special events. This includes a residential visit to Whitemoor Lakes. There is something for everyone.

This makes learning fun. Pupils value these activities and speak enthusiastically about them.

Staff place a high priority on reading throughout the school.

From the very start, staff teach phonics well because of whole-school training. They provide extra help for any pupils who fall behind. As a result, most pupils read confidently from an early age.

Pupils of all abilities continue to develop as readers throughout their time in school.

Pupils learn about healthy eating and the importance of exercise from an early age. They have a growing understanding of different cultures and religions.

Pupils are accepting of each other and are happy to attend school. They say that 'It is OK to be different'. Pupils attend regularly and very few are late.

Senior leaders and the school improvement board members know the school well. They are considerate of the needs of all staff. Staff appreciate this immensely.

Staff value the training and support they receive. Leaders are keen to improve the school further. Currently, they are creating new ways to build closer relationships with families.

This should help to build on the established systems already in place.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Pupils' welfare is the school's highest priority.

Leaders check staff's suitability to work with children before they start work at the school. Leaders maintain detailed records relating to child protection. All staff receive regular safeguarding updates and training.

Pupils are confident to talk to staff if they have a problem. Staff also know how to spot any signs that may raise concerns about a pupil's welfare. Staff know how to report any emerging concerns because they are well trained.

When required, the school works with external agencies to provide additional help and support for pupils.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

The school's curriculum is designed and sequenced effectively in many subjects, such as mathematics. However, the curriculum in some foundation subjects is not as well developed.

The school needs to build on the work already started to develop the curriculum for these subjects further. The curriculum needs to be clearly planned and ordered to build pupils' knowledge and skills over time. .

On occasion, the work set by teachers is not closely matched to the needs of all pupils, particularly those who require additional support, including pupils with SEND. Staff need to make sure that these pupils are secure in their basic knowledge and skills before moving them on to more complex areas of learning. This will support these pupils to become independent learners.