Lapal Primary School was inspected by OFSTED on 15th and 16th January 2020. It confirmed that Lapal Primary School continues to be judged as a good school and that there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding, if they were to carry out a section 5 inspection at this time.

A section 8 inspection, which we received, does not result in graded judgements for individual areas. It also does not change the overall grade of the school; therefore, the good judgement from the previous inspection remains. If inspectors believe that a change of grade may be necessary, they will trigger a section 5 inspection which will take place between one and two years and will make the full set of graded judgements available (Inadequate, Requires Improvement, Good or Outstanding). Our report states that there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding. We will therefore welcome a further inspection in the next two years and are delighted that they recognised the progress we have made since our last inspection and our strengths as a school.

The report comments on the wonderful behaviour of our children:

‘Pupils rise to staff’s high expectations. Pupils thoroughly enjoy learning and standards of attainment are high in all key stages. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. They are friendly, polite and well-mannered’.

The report also comments on the caring community of the school:

‘‘The school is a close and caring community. Pupils, parents and staff are very proud of their school. All value the clear and principled leadership that the headteacher and senior leaders provide. Leaders continually seek the views of others to find ways in which they might further improve the school’.

The report also acknowledges the hard work and reflective practice of the school to drive forward school improvement:

‘The headteacher and senior leaders form a well-established and highly effective team. They have overseen the school’s improvement over recent years. They regularly seek feedback, for example from pupils, parents and external consultants. There is a constant focus on improving the school that is shared by leaders and staff’.