Clifton Primary School in Penrith, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 1, 2023. The school fosters a strong sense of community among its pupils, who express pride in being part of the school family. The students are respectful, friendly, and supportive of one another, creating a positive atmosphere conducive to learning. The leadership and teaching staff maintain high expectations for pupil behavior, which is reflected in the minimal disruption during lessons. The school effectively addresses bullying, ensuring that students feel safe and happy in their learning environment.
Pupils demonstrate kindness and tolerance, with many expressing that everyone is welcome at their school. They engage in a variety of enriching activities, including adventurous trips to outdoor learning centers and local museums. Participation in sports is encouraged, with students representing their school in local events and competitions, which helps them build character and self-confidence. The school emphasizes hard work, and leaders ensure that pupils who face learning challenges, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive appropriate support, leading to overall good achievement.
The curriculum at Clifton Primary School has been revised to be ambitious and well-organized, particularly for mixed-age classes. This careful planning has resulted in pupils developing a solid foundation of subject knowledge, preparing them well for future educational stages. Although the revised curriculum has positively impacted learning, some subjects still require improvement in depth. Certain tasks do not challenge pupils sufficiently, and older students often struggle with basic spelling and punctuation, which teachers do not consistently address.
From their early years, children at Clifton Primary School develop strong reading and number skills. The school prioritizes reading, with a focus on building phonics skills in the early years and key stage one. Teachers ensure that pupils read books that match their phonics knowledge and provide timely support for those who may be falling behind. Once confident in phonics, pupils progress to more complex texts, with daily reading sessions and encouragement to explore a range of high-quality literature.
Teachers are attentive to pupils' learning needs and regularly assess their understanding through quizzes and tests. Leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs achieve at the same level as their peers, identifying these needs early and providing the necessary support. Outdoor learning opportunities are maximized, with pupils engaging in activities such as forest crafts and participating in local cultural events.
The school promotes understanding of different faiths and cultures, fostering respectful relationships among pupils. Older students take on responsibilities by looking after younger children, helping them integrate into the school community. Overall, pupils exhibit good behavior, enjoy their lessons, and are motivated to perform well. Parents and carers appreciate the approachable nature of the staff, who are dedicated to the children's best interests.
Governors are well-informed and actively monitor safeguarding procedures to ensure a safe environment for all. They consider staff workload and well-being in decision-making, contributing to a supportive atmosphere for teachers. The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, with trained staff who are vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks to pupils.
While Clifton Primary School has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Some subjects require more challenging tasks to deepen pupils' understanding, and attention to basic spelling and punctuation needs to be more consistent. Addressing these areas will further enhance the quality of education provided at the school.
