Morland Area C of E Primary School, located in Morland, Penrith, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 21, 2020. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy their time and value their friendships. Strong relationships between staff and students contribute to a supportive atmosphere, with leaders maintaining high expectations for all pupils. Attendance is commendable, and students exhibit good behavior in lessons, driven by their eagerness to learn.
Pupils express positive sentiments regarding behavior, noting that instances of name-calling have diminished significantly, thanks to effective leadership interventions. They feel secure within the school environment and are educated on safety, including topics such as water safety, road safety, and internet safety. The school emphasizes core values of honesty, compassion, and reverence, which pupils actively strive to embody. By the end of Year 6, students achieve academic results in English and mathematics that are comparable to national standards. The school provides adequate support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring they can also achieve well.
The leadership team, including senior leaders and governors, demonstrates a thorough understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. They have effectively planned the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of pupils, allowing for logical progression in learning. Teachers utilize assessments to inform their planning, building on prior knowledge. Parental support for school initiatives is strong, further enhancing the educational experience.
Staff members feel supported and collaborate effectively, benefiting from numerous professional development opportunities. Recent training has focused on the coherent teaching of physical education skills. Reading instruction is prioritized, with a systematic approach to phonics that helps children learn new sounds and develop reading fluency. Staff have engaged with a local English hub to enhance their phonics teaching skills, ensuring that children who struggle receive the necessary support to catch up. However, there is a noted lack of a system to encourage younger pupils to select books from the library for pleasure, indicating an area for potential growth in fostering a love of reading.
Mathematics education begins in the early years, with ample opportunities for exploration and practice. Older pupils show enthusiasm for mathematics, understanding its relevance in everyday life. Leaders have outlined the knowledge and skills they wish pupils to acquire, continuously refining the curriculum. However, there is a need for more regular monitoring to assess the impact of these improvements.
The science curriculum aligns with national standards, and pupils retain knowledge from their lessons well. Nevertheless, the subject leader has not consistently checked the effectiveness of the planned progression in knowledge and skills. Additional activities, such as sports clubs and school councils, promote personal development and global awareness among pupils, preparing them for future educational stages.
The school’s safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify signs of neglect or abuse. Leaders collaborate with various agencies to support vulnerable pupils and their families, ensuring a proactive approach to safeguarding. Overall, while Morland Area C of E Primary School continues to excel in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement in monitoring curriculum implementation and fostering a greater love of reading among younger pupils.
