Hallbankgate Village School, located in Brampton, Cumbria, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 4, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy and confident learners. Students express pride in attending this small, nurturing institution, highlighting its supportive community that encourages friendship and collaboration. Staff members maintain high expectations for both learning and behavior, which contributes to a culture of hard work and attentiveness in lessons. Pupils feel supported by adults who are committed to helping them improve and succeed, understanding that making mistakes is a valuable part of the learning process.
The school provides a variety of activities that cater to the diverse talents and interests of its pupils. Students enthusiastically participate in after-school sports clubs and gardening activities, while older pupils take on responsibilities such as learning councillors and buddies for younger children. The spacious school grounds and the surrounding countryside are appreciated by the pupils, who also engage with local amenities like the church and library, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
Leaders and governors have developed an ambitious curriculum that is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge systematically from early years through to Year 6, ensuring that pupils retain and understand what they learn over time. In subjects like reading and mathematics, effective checks are in place to confirm that pupils have a solid grasp of the material before progressing. However, in some other subjects, the checks are less effective, which can hinder pupils' understanding and retention of the content.
The early years curriculum effectively prepares children for Year 1, with a strong emphasis on songs, rhymes, and storytelling that enhances vocabulary development. A new early reading program has been introduced, with staff trained to deliver phonics instruction effectively. While most pupils receive appropriate reading materials that align with their phonics knowledge, there are instances where books do not adequately support their fluency and confidence in reading.
Teachers demonstrate a passion for reading, inspiring pupils to explore a wide range of literature. Pupils are familiar with various authors and enjoy visiting the village library to select reading materials. This engagement with reading is recognized as essential for their academic success.
The school excels in identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary resources and training to thrive alongside their peers. Positive relationships between pupils and staff create a calm and productive learning environment, allowing for uninterrupted educational experiences.
Leaders prioritize the broader development of pupils, incorporating opportunities for learning about diversity, equality, and cultural understanding into the curriculum. This prepares students for life in modern Britain. Staff members report high levels of job satisfaction and feel well-supported in their roles, contributing to a positive school culture.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff. Pupils are educated on safety strategies, including online safety, and know how to seek help if needed. Overall, Hallbankgate Village School is committed to continuous improvement, with leaders recognizing areas for development, particularly in ensuring that all pupils receive appropriately matched reading materials and that understanding is consistently checked across all subjects.
