Lothersdale Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The headteacher, with the support of staff and governors, provides outstanding leadership and management. Pupils make rapid progress in reading, writing and mathematics.

They reach standards that are well-above average and have done so for a number of years. The Early Years Foundation Stage is a major strength of the school. While over time pupils make rapid progress in mathematics occasionally the work set for less able pupils is too hard for them to do and the pace of their learning slows.

Teaching is never less than consistently good and often outstanding. Teachers do all they can to make work not only interesting but also exc...iting. Behaviour is excellent.

Pupils are very proud of their school. They say they feel very safe. Pupils' enjoyment of learning can be seen in their high attendance.

The school is valued highly by parents. The headteacher is very skilful in supporting staff to improve their practice and in developing their areas of responsibility. As a result middle leaders carry out their duties very well, contributing to the school maintaining the outstanding quality of teaching and pupil achievement identified at the previous inspection.

The governing body is highly supportive of the school but at the same time provides a very strong level of challenge.

Information about this school

The school is smaller than the average-sized primary school. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported by school action is well-below average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is well-below average. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium funding is very low. (The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and for children that are looked after by the local authority.

) The very large majority of pupils are from a White British heritage. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The headteacher is currently supporting another school in order to help it to improve.