Moor Row Community Primary School in Cumbria has been rated as good in its recent inspection conducted on June 4 and 5, 2024. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and supported. Staff prioritize the mental health and well-being of students, fostering a strong sense of community. Older pupils take pride in their contributions to the school, engaging in roles such as school councillors and play leaders, which enhances their sense of responsibility and belonging.
The school maintains high expectations for academic success, encouraging curiosity and concentration from the early years. This approach has led to generally good achievement across most subjects, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate respect for diversity and benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities that broaden their experiences, including trips to local cities and places of worship.
The curriculum is ambitious and of high quality, designed to ignite pupils' interests and expand their horizons. It effectively builds knowledge from the Nursery Year through to Year 6 in most subjects. However, in a few subjects, the specific knowledge that pupils should learn is not clearly defined, which can hinder achievement. The school is aware of this and is working to ensure that teachers have the necessary guidance to deliver a coherent curriculum.
The school has prioritized reading instruction, providing staff with regular training to enhance children's phonetic skills. Early years pupils are exposed to a rich variety of stories and songs, which helps them develop their reading abilities. By the end of key stage one, most pupils, including those with SEND, are fluent readers. Pupils show a genuine love for reading, enjoying access to a well-resourced library and listening to their teachers read.
Behaviour in the school is commendable, with pupils demonstrating good manners and respect towards staff and peers. The school has high expectations for attendance and punctuality, working closely with families to address any barriers to regular attendance. As a result, absenteeism is rare.
The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, instilling an understanding of equality and democracy. Pupils learn about different faiths and cultures through various opportunities, including residential visits, which help them appreciate the diverse world around them. Parents and carers value the extracurricular opportunities provided by the school.
While the governing body fulfills its statutory duties, recent changes have affected its ability to monitor staff well-being effectively. Some staff have reported feeling overwhelmed by recent curriculum changes, indicating a need for improved communication and support from the school leadership and governors.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring that pupils are safe and well cared for. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is addressing the areas identified for development, particularly in clarifying curriculum expectations and supporting staff well-being. Overall, Moor Row Community Primary School provides a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils, promoting both academic success and personal development.