Skelton School, located in Penrith, Cumbria, has recently undergone an inspection that highlighted its overall effectiveness as good. The inspection took place from June 25 to 26, 2024, and evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision, all of which were rated as good. The school previously received an outstanding grade in its last inspection in March 2017.
Pupils at Skelton School express enjoyment in attending, feeling happy and well cared for, which is evident even among the youngest children in the Nursery Year. The nurturing environment fosters a sense of safety, allowing pupils to know whom to approach with any concerns. Parents and carers describe the school as having a family-like atmosphere. The school sets high expectations for pupil achievement, motivating them to work diligently in lessons. The vision of developing confident and capable learners is reflected in the quality of pupils' work, with the majority demonstrating strong learning outcomes.
Respect among pupils is consistently observed, with good behavior and positive responses to staff instructions. Regular attendance is a hallmark of the school, contributing to a positive learning environment. The school offers numerous opportunities for pupils to broaden their horizons through whole-school trips and events, ensuring inclusivity for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Extra-curricular clubs are well-attended, and older pupils take pride in mentoring younger peers.
The curriculum at Skelton School is ambitious and clearly outlines the knowledge pupils need to acquire at various stages across subjects, particularly in mathematics. This structured approach has led to increased confidence among pupils in exploring mathematical concepts and processes. However, in some areas where the curriculum is less defined, activities may not support deep learning of essential knowledge. Additionally, some staff may lack the expertise to adapt the curriculum effectively for pupils who struggle with content comprehension.
The school closely monitors pupil progress, with teachers adept at identifying and addressing misconceptions as they arise. Early reading skills are developed quickly, with children in the Nursery Year introduced to sounds and vocabulary that prepare them for phonics instruction in Reception. The phonics program is delivered effectively, ensuring that pupils who require additional support receive it promptly. Most older pupils read with accuracy and enjoy discussing the stories they encounter in class.
In the early years, the curriculum is designed to build on children's interests and knowledge, promoting their understanding of the world and positive interactions with others. However, there are instances where staff do not fully support children in consolidating their learning, which can hinder their development. The school effectively identifies the additional needs of pupils with special educational needs, making appropriate adaptations in well-designed subjects to ensure successful learning alongside peers.
Attendance rates are high, and the school actively supports pupils needing to improve their attendance. Incidents of poor behavior are rare, and when they occur, they are addressed swiftly. The school maintains a calm and purposeful atmosphere through established routines from the Reception Year. A wide range of personal development opportunities is integrated into the school day, including trips and activities that enhance pupils' learning experiences. Pupils learn about health, relationships, and online safety, and they engage in democratic processes through the school council.
Staff express strong support for the leadership team and take pride in their work at the school. Governors have taken effective steps to manage staff workload and well-being. The safeguarding arrangements are deemed effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is encouraged to enhance its curriculum delivery in certain subjects and to ensure that early years staff are equipped to support all aspects of children's development effectively.
