Lakeside Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils feel safe and cared for in this welcoming school community. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and respectful. Pupils know there are trusted adults who will listen to them if they have concerns. Leaders have created an inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to respect one another and celebrate differences. Pupils generally behave well in lessons and around the school. They understand the school's expectations for behaviour. Consequently, classrooms are typically calm and purposeful. Bullying is rare and pupils are confident that staff deal with concerns quickly and effectively. Many pupils value the support they receive for their emotional welfare, known in school as nurture provision. The carefully structured ‘Guardian Groups’ provide a positive start to the week for all pupils. During these weekly sessions, pupils discuss feelings, relationships and wellbeing. This helps staff identify quickly any pupils who may require additional support. Pupils also explore and discuss solutions for scenarios they may encounter in everyday life, including when out in the community. Staff use these sessions effectively to assess the impact of the personal, social, health and economic curriculum on pupils’ understanding and development. Pupils enjoy learning and typically build knowledge securely across the curriculum. Wider reading is a particular strength and pupils speak positively about books and reading opportunities. Most pupils engage positively in lessons. Pupils usually benefit from teaching that is carefully adapted to their needs. These adaptations support pupils, including more able pupils, to deepen their understanding in the subjects that they study. Beyond lessons, pupils benefit from a wide range of clubs, trips and wider opportunities that help them to develop confidence, resilience and independence. Pupils value opportunities to contribute to the life of the school and wider community through fundraising, performances and leadership opportunities. Pupils learn about tolerance. This helps to shape their characters and their understanding of the world. All of these experiences help pupils to become thoughtful and respectful young people.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that learning is adapted to pupils' needs consistently well in all subjects, so that pupils, particularly those working at greater depth, deepen their understanding more effectively.
• Leaders should sharpen the precision of their analysis of attendance and behaviour information so that they can identify more quickly where strategies are working effectively and where further action is required.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)