North Walney Primary, Nursery & Pre-School in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, has been rated as a good school following its inspection in June 2019. The school has shown significant improvement since its previous inspection, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The leadership and management of the school are effective, with leaders demonstrating a clear understanding of the school's priorities and a commitment to enhancing the quality of education. The teaching quality has improved markedly, with staff working collaboratively to share skills and support one another. This has resulted in a positive learning environment where pupils are eager to attend school and engage in their studies.
Pupils at North Walney Primary exhibit good personal development, behavior, and welfare. They manage their feelings and behavior well, fostering respectful relationships with peers and staff. The school promotes an understanding of diversity and encourages pupils to care for their local environment. While pupils understand democracy at the school level, their knowledge of its application in local and national contexts is limited. The school has made strides in creating a stimulating curriculum, although some areas, particularly geography, require further development to ensure lessons build on prior knowledge effectively.
In terms of academic outcomes, pupils are making good progress across various subjects, including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. The quality of writing is improving, although some pupils still lack enthusiasm for writing due to past experiences with less engaging lessons. The school has implemented effective phonics teaching, enabling pupils to read unfamiliar words confidently. In mathematics, pupils enjoy the challenges presented to them, which enhances their learning experience.
The early years provision is also rated as good, with children making significant progress from their starting points. Staff in the early years work well together, providing a supportive environment that encourages independence and confidence in learning. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that self-chosen activities are sufficiently challenging for all children.
The school has a strong focus on safeguarding, with effective measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. Leaders maintain good communication with families and other agencies to support pupils' needs, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. The governing body is actively involved in monitoring the school's progress and ensuring that the atmosphere remains positive and conducive to learning.
Overall, North Walney Primary, Nursery & Pre-School has made commendable progress in various areas, including leadership, teaching quality, and pupil outcomes. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with clear actions in place to address areas that require further development. The positive feedback from parents and the community reflects the school's dedication to providing a high-quality education for its pupils.
