Ireleth St Peter's CofE Primary School, located in Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 19, 2023. The school is characterized by a warm and welcoming environment where pupils feel happy and proud to attend. The staff are dedicated and caring, ensuring that they know the pupils and their families well. This strong relationship fosters a positive atmosphere where pupils are well-mannered, polite, and eager to engage in discussions about their learning experiences.
The leadership team at Ireleth St Peter's has high expectations for both learning and behavior, which is reflected in the pupils' enjoyment of lessons and their ability to articulate what they are learning. The school promotes inclusivity and support, allowing all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to achieve well. The culture of kindness among pupils is evident, and any incidents of bullying or name-calling are addressed swiftly and effectively, contributing to a safe environment.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, trips, and visits that enhance the pupils' learning experiences. Pupils have expressed enthusiasm for participating in events such as a national choir competition and are encouraged to join clubs like chess, tennis, and drama. The school also emphasizes community involvement, with opportunities for pupils to engage as active citizens, such as singing at local residential homes.
Leaders at the school are ambitious for every pupil and have designed a curriculum that begins in the early years. They have carefully considered the challenges posed by mixed-age classes and have clearly identified the knowledge and vocabulary that pupils are expected to learn. However, there is a noted need for improvement in the early years foundation stage, where the precise knowledge that children should acquire has not been broken down in sufficient detail. This gap may lead to uncertainty among teachers regarding how best to support children's progress.
Teachers are well-supported in gaining expertise in their subjects, enabling them to create engaging lessons that capture pupils' interests. They effectively revisit concepts before introducing new content, which helps pupils develop a solid understanding over time. While assessment strategies are generally effective in most subjects, some foundation subjects lack the same level of development, leading to uncertainty about pupils' learning in those areas.
The school prioritizes reading, fostering a culture that encourages pupils to become lifelong readers. From the early years, parents are invited to participate in reading activities, and a structured phonics program is implemented to support pupils' reading development. Teachers closely monitor pupils' progress in reading and provide immediate support to those who need it, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, receive appropriate reading materials.
Safeguarding arrangements at Ireleth St Peter's are effective, with a strong culture of safety in place. Staff are well-trained and vigilant in identifying changes in pupils' behavior, ensuring that concerns are reported and addressed promptly. The school teaches pupils about safety, including online safety, and has implemented swimming lessons to address the risks associated with its proximity to open water.
While the school has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to provide more detailed planning regarding the knowledge children should acquire in the early years and ensure that assessments in foundation subjects align with the intended curriculum. This will help guarantee that all pupils receive a comprehensive education and do not miss essential learning opportunities. Overall, Ireleth St Peter's CofE Primary School continues to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
