Crosby Ravensworth CofE School, located in Penrith, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 26, 2020. The pupils express a high level of enjoyment in their school experience, highlighting strong friendships and a welcoming environment that facilitates easy integration for new students. The school promotes a culture of safety and respect, with pupils demonstrating good behavior and a commitment to their learning. Instances of bullying are reported to be rare, and any conflicts are resolved promptly.
The school is characterized by a vibrant atmosphere, enriched by visits from local figures such as the vicar and various authors. Pupils engage in a diverse array of extracurricular activities, including circus skills, horse riding, and learning musical instruments like the ukulele. Older students benefit from residential trips that teach essential life skills. The teaching staff is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, receive the support they need to succeed. Local educational trips, such as visits to Hadrian’s Wall, enhance the learning experience in subjects like history, geography, and science.
Academic achievement is strong across the school, with teachers setting high expectations for their pupils. Older students are well-prepared for the transition to high school. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the early years, where the indoor and outdoor learning environments could be utilized more effectively. The school has made strides in revising its mathematics curriculum to enhance problem-solving and reasoning skills among pupils.
The curriculum is ambitious and aligns with national standards, thoughtfully organized to build on pupils' prior knowledge. Teachers foster connections between different subjects, ensuring that all pupils can learn effectively. Assessments are conducted at the end of each topic to confirm that pupils retain key information, and previous learning is revisited to support new concepts.
In the early years, teaching staff are attentive and build strong relationships with children and their families. Despite the well-structured curriculum, the learning areas are not fully developed to inspire children's creativity and curiosity. Reading is a strong focus, with teachers sharing their enthusiasm for literature. Pupils eagerly participate in selecting books from the local library, and older students engage in discussions about their reading choices.
The school has implemented a phonics program to support early reading, but some staff do not consistently follow the agreed-upon approach, leading to mismatches between reading materials and pupils' phonetic knowledge. Additional support is provided for those who need to catch up, and training sessions for parents help them assist their children with reading.
Behavior expectations are clear and consistent, with older pupils serving as positive role models for younger students. The school community is characterized by mutual respect and care, with effective handling of any rare bullying incidents. Pupils participate in various outdoor activities, including swimming lessons and adventurous pursuits, while understanding the associated risks.
The governing body has experienced some changes since the last inspection, but new governors are quickly acclimating to their roles and responsibilities. They are supportive of the staff and aware of the challenges faced by a small school. Safeguarding measures are effective, with thorough checks in place to ensure the safety of pupils. Overall, Crosby Ravensworth CofE School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with clear areas identified for further enhancement.
