St Bridget's CofE School in Parton, Whitehaven, Cumbria, received a positive inspection report following its evaluation on March 22 and 23, 2022. The school was rated as good in all areas, including overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Pupils express enjoyment in attending the school, feeling happy and safe, and demonstrate friendliness and care towards one another. The leadership team has established high expectations for both behaviour and academic achievement, which pupils strive to meet. This commitment has resulted in strong performance, particularly among pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The school fosters a calm and respectful environment, with staff effectively managing behaviour. While instances of poor behaviour and bullying are reported to occur occasionally, trusted adults intervene promptly to prevent recurrence. Pupils engage in local initiatives, such as beach clean-ups, which enhance their understanding of environmental responsibility and community involvement. They also participate in various educational trips that broaden their cultural awareness and understanding of different faiths and careers.
The curriculum at St Bridget's is broad and ambitious, with careful consideration given to the knowledge pupils are expected to acquire and the timing of instruction. Leaders work collaboratively with staff to identify additional needs among pupils, ensuring that those with SEND receive appropriate support. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively from early years through to Year 6, preparing children effectively for future learning. Subject leaders are well-trained, providing teachers with the necessary support to deliver the curriculum effectively. Local resources are utilized to enhance learning, with examples including lessons on the local history related to the slave trade and environmental studies linked to the nearby national park.
Assessment strategies are employed effectively in most subjects to monitor pupil progress and identify knowledge gaps. However, in a few subjects where the curriculum has been recently introduced, leaders are still refining assessment methods to ensure they align with intended learning outcomes. The school prioritizes early reading and phonics, with a systematic approach to teaching these skills from the start of the Reception Year. Children are encouraged to practice reading at home, which contributes to their development as confident readers.
Behavioural routines are established early in the nursery, promoting positive conduct throughout the school. Pupils listen attentively and follow instructions, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. The school also emphasizes the importance of British values, with initiatives such as school council elections fostering a sense of democracy among pupils. The eco-council has actively campaigned against plastic straws, reflecting the pupils' commitment to environmental issues.
Staff well-being is prioritized, and leaders have responded effectively to previous inspection recommendations, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. The governing body is engaged and knowledgeable about the school, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. Safeguarding measures are robust, with staff receiving regular training to ensure pupil safety. Overall, St Bridget's CofE School is a nurturing environment where pupils thrive academically and socially, supported by dedicated leadership and staff.
