Penruddock Primary School, located in Penruddock, Penrith, Cumbria, underwent an inspection on May 24 and 25, 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as requiring improvement, with specific areas of education quality also marked as needing enhancement. However, the school demonstrated good performance in behavior and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. Leadership and management were identified as areas needing improvement, reflecting challenges faced since the previous inspection in February 2020, when the school was rated as good.
Pupils at Penruddock Primary School enjoy attending and have positive relationships with both peers and staff. They look forward to social interactions during break times and engage enthusiastically in outdoor activities, particularly in the early years. The school fosters a safe and secure environment, where adults encourage pupils to strive for success and high achievement. Despite this supportive atmosphere, some pupils have not acquired all the essential knowledge necessary for their next educational stages, which has hindered their overall achievement.
The school has established clear behavioral expectations, with rules and routines that pupils generally follow. Staff address any instances of bullying promptly, contributing to a positive school culture. Leaders have implemented various extracurricular activities that promote pupils' development beyond academics, including sports competitions and cultural events, ensuring inclusivity for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Since the last inspection, the school has made strides in improving its curriculum by clearly defining the order in which knowledge should be taught across subjects. This structured approach has led to improved pupil achievement, particularly noted in key stage two results. However, staffing challenges have impeded the quality of education in some classes, and leaders have been slow to act on ensuring all pupils are adequately prepared for their next learning stages.
Reading has been prioritized, with early years pupils starting phonics education immediately. The school has aligned reading materials with the phonics curriculum, enhancing pupils' reading success. Despite some disruptions in learning due to staffing issues, leaders are taking steps to help pupils catch up, and there is a strong emphasis on fostering a love of reading through a well-stocked library.
In the early years, the curriculum is organized effectively, but some subject leaders lack a comprehensive understanding of their curriculum areas, which affects the readiness of children for key stage one. Teachers actively check for understanding during lessons, which supports knowledge retention. However, inconsistencies in curriculum implementation across subjects can hinder effective learning experiences.
Pupils with special educational needs are quickly identified, and leaders ensure they receive necessary adaptations to access the curriculum alongside their peers. The school promotes a respectful understanding of diversity among pupils, preparing them for life in modern society. Governors are engaged in school life but need a clearer understanding of the impact of staffing issues on pupil outcomes to hold leaders accountable effectively.
The safeguarding arrangements at Penruddock Primary School are effective, with staff trained to recognize and report concerns about pupil welfare. Leaders collaborate with various agencies to provide additional support for pupils and their families. Overall, while the school has strengths in pupil enjoyment and personal development, it must address areas of improvement in educational quality and leadership to enhance overall effectiveness.
