Ormskirk Lathom Park Church of England Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils are safe and happy at this Church of England primary school, where the Christian ethos shapes daily life. Every pupil is welcome here and inclusivity is an important part of the life of the school. Staff know pupils and their families very well. Pupils are encouraged to find their special talents and skills so that these can be celebrated and built upon during their time at the school. Pupils behave well. They are confident and friendly to staff and one another. Pupils say that bullying does not happen, but they know to tell a trusted adult if they have any worries. Pupils say that adults at school deal with any problems swiftly and offer support and help when needed. Pupils enjoy learning, especially outdoors on the school’s grounds and in the forest. However, achievement is not consistent. Outcomes are below the national average in reading, writing and mathematics, including for disadvantaged pupils. Barriers to learning are reduced, but not always enough to enable pupils to achieve highly. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make secure progress, but gaps between disadvantaged and other pupils remain. As a result, some pupils are not as well prepared for the next stage of education. Most pupils attend school regularly. Leaders take action to improve attendance among pupils who do not attend school as often as they should. However, this has not had the intended impact and some pupils miss out on essential learning as a result. Pupils benefit from many wider opportunities beyond academic study. They take on leadership roles, such as ambassadors or school councillors, and help during special events. Sport is valued, with all pupils given the chance to succeed, including those with SEND. Pupils take swimming lessons each year from Year 1 onwards and are especially proud of their recent gala success. They enjoy caring for the school’s rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs. This helps pupils to develop empathy and a sense of calm.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that the phonics programme and teaching are effective so that pupils at the earlier stages of reading achieve consistently well.
• Leaders should ensure that assessment information is used effectively to identify and address gaps from prior learning, so that pupils achieve well in all subjects.
• Leaders should improve attainment at the end of key stage 2 in reading, writing and mathematics, so that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, are well prepared for secondary school.
• Leaders should ensure that staff receive the training that they need so that teaching is consistently effective across the school, including in the early teaching of writing and mathematics for younger pupils.
• Leaders should continue to take action to secure improvements in pupils’ attendance so that they attend in line with national benchmarks.

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