Arkholme Church of England Primary School, located in Carnforth, Lancashire, has recently undergone an inspection, with the overall effectiveness rated as good. The inspection took place on the 23rd and 24th of April 2024. The school has maintained its good standing since the previous inspection in January 2019.
Pupils at Arkholme are valued in a nurturing and friendly environment. The staff are dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among students. Pupils express confidence in being themselves and take pride in their school, feeling both happy and safe. The school sets high expectations for student achievement, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating commitment during lessons and achieving commendable results. Collaborative learning is encouraged, as evidenced by a recent initiative where the entire school engaged with the same book, sharing their insights and work with one another.
The school environment is calm, with pupils contributing positively to this atmosphere. They exhibit politeness and good manners, maintaining respectful relationships with staff who show genuine care for their well-being. In the early years, children adapt quickly to school routines, which aids in their development.
Arkholme offers a diverse range of trips and visits, allowing pupils to explore life beyond their immediate surroundings. These experiences include excursions to the seaside, the theatre, and museums, enriching their educational journey.
The curriculum at Arkholme is ambitious and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. The school has thoughtfully designed the curriculum to build on prior knowledge as pupils progress through their education. This approach ensures that most pupils develop a comprehensive understanding across various subjects. Early years children acquire essential skills and knowledge, preparing them well for Year 1.
While the majority of subjects are taught effectively, there are a few areas where the delivery of the curriculum could be improved. In these subjects, some teachers may not select the most suitable activities to facilitate learning and retention of key information. However, teachers generally utilize assessment information effectively to monitor pupil progress and address any misconceptions in understanding. They ensure that pupils grasp concepts before introducing new material.
Reading is a priority at Arkholme, with pupils engaging with books that align with their phonics knowledge. Most students become fluent readers, enjoying stories read by adults. Staff are proactive in identifying pupils who may struggle with phonics, although the support provided to help them catch up could be enhanced. This is partly due to insufficient training for staff on addressing gaps in phonics knowledge. Older pupils display a passion for reading, confidently discussing their favorite books and authors.
The school is proactive in identifying pupils with special educational needs as early as possible. Staff collaborate with specialists to adapt curriculum delivery, ensuring these pupils can learn alongside their peers.
Pupils generally exhibit positive behavior, contributing to a calm and purposeful learning environment. Mixed-age classes, including the nursery, foster collaborative learning, with children understanding the importance of positive behavior. The school enjoys high attendance rates, reflecting pupils' enthusiasm for attending.
Arkholme has carefully considered how to support pupils' personal development, offering a variety of high-quality clubs and activities, such as eco-club, reading, outdoor art, and sports. The curriculum also covers essential topics like relationships, healthy living, and global awareness. Older pupils often take on leadership roles, serving as ambassadors in various areas.
The governing body is knowledgeable and committed, understanding the school's strengths and areas for improvement. The school supports staff in managing their workload and well-being, fostering a strong team spirit among educators.
The safeguarding arrangements at Arkholme are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school needs to ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum across all subjects and provide adequate training for staff to support pupils struggling with phonics. By addressing these areas, Arkholme can continue to build on its successes and further improve the educational experience for its pupils.
