Ewanrigg Junior School, located in Maryport, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection in October 2019. The school fosters an environment where pupils enjoy learning and feel safe. Teachers engage students effectively, making lessons interesting and encouraging respectful listening among peers. The positive behavior of students contributes to a conducive learning atmosphere, allowing them to focus on their studies. Pupils demonstrate high aspirations, with older students contemplating future career paths, inspired by visits from professionals. The school emphasizes its values, encouraging students to strive for excellence in their endeavors.
Pupils report that incidents of bullying and name-calling are rare, and they appreciate the fairness of their teachers. They feel comfortable approaching staff with concerns, knowing they will be heard. The school promotes healthy lifestyles, with students participating in daily physical activities and enjoying various extracurricular clubs. Learning about different cultures and religions is also a key aspect of the curriculum, enhanced by visits to places of worship and museums.
The school’s leadership has refined the curriculum to ensure that students develop knowledge and skills systematically. They provide appropriate challenges for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The support for these students is well-organized, enabling them to achieve alongside their peers. While governors are supportive and aware of performance in core subjects like English and mathematics, they need to broaden their focus to include other subjects to hold leaders accountable for overall pupil achievement.
Ewanrigg Junior School actively engages pupils in community projects, fostering a sense of citizenship. Students participate in fundraising for local charities and collaborate with community police on initiatives like beach clean-ups. The school also nurtures creativity through arts projects, allowing pupils to explore their interests in painting and poetry.
Reading is promoted effectively, with staff adhering to a structured approach to teaching. Pupils benefit from regular reading sessions with adults, and the selection of books is relevant to their studies. However, there is a need for greater exposure to a diverse range of authors to enhance pupils' literary awareness. In mathematics, a renewed focus on reasoning has been implemented, with teachers presenting engaging challenges and providing resources to support problem-solving.
Geography education is well-structured, although some pupils struggle to retain key facts from previous years. Teachers are encouraged to use assessments of prior learning more frequently to reinforce knowledge retention. The school culture is positive, with staff feeling supported by leaders who prioritize their well-being and workload management.
Safeguarding is a high priority at Ewanrigg Junior School, with diligent leaders ensuring the safety of pupils. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding procedures, and the school collaborates with external agencies to support vulnerable families. The school’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment is evident in its proactive approach to addressing concerns.
Overall, Ewanrigg Junior School continues to provide a good education, with effective leadership and a strong focus on pupil well-being and community engagement. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in expanding the range of authors in the reading curriculum and ensuring governors have comprehensive information on pupil performance across all subjects.
