Lime Walk Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 February 2023

At Lime Walk, pupils know each other well. They are happy and friendly. Pupils are proud of their work and very appreciative of the support their teachers give them. Many parents comment on how much their children enjoy the school. Pupils understand the high expectations leaders have for their learning and behaviour. Consequently, pupils behave well, both in lessons and around the school. They are kind and considerate to each other and respectful towards staff. Pupils learn to respect and celebrate diversity. They feel safe in school. Pupils trust the staff. They know that they will get help if they have any problems. Pupils say that bullying very rarely happens, but when it does, the staff deal with it well. Pupils enjoy a wide range of enrichment opportunities, such as clubs, trips and having visitors in school. These help pupils to become independent and well- rounded individuals. A recent visit from a geologist has inspired some pupils to want to become scientists in the future. Pupils are proud to play a part in the running of the school. For example, the school council has helped choose books for the newly re-established library.

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not use assessment consistently well in some areas of the curriculum. This means in a small number of subjects, teachers may not always quickly spot if a pupil has a gap in the knowledge they have been taught. Leaders need to ensure there is clear guidance and support in place for teachers on how to make best use of assessment across the curriculum.
• Learning activities in the early years do not consistently focus on the opportunity for children to apply and practise the knowledge set out in the curriculum. This means some tasks set, especially the ones children choose, do not encourage them to apply new things they are learning. Leaders should ensure that children in the early years setting access appropriate activities that align closely to the intended curriculum and support children to remember more of what they learn.
• Some new governors do not have the knowledge or expertise to confidently challenge school leaders. This means some governors rely on what leaders tell them about the effectiveness of actions taken to bring about improvements. Governors should ensure that they all have sufficient expertise to support and challenge leaders effectively.

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