Burton Morewood C of E Primary School, located in Burton-in-Kendal, Lancashire, underwent an inspection on January 11 and 12, 2023, and received an overall effectiveness rating of good. The school has made significant improvements since its previous inspection, which rated it as requiring improvement. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good.
Pupils at Burton Morewood enjoy their time at school, reporting that instances of poor behavior and bullying are infrequent. They appreciate the prompt and effective responses from adults when issues arise, contributing to a positive school environment. The strong relationships between staff and students foster a sense of safety, with pupils feeling heard and supported in addressing their concerns. The school promotes a range of curriculum enrichment experiences, allowing pupils to engage in activities that enhance their physical and mental well-being. Notably, pupils participate in regular ski lessons as part of their physical education curriculum, which they find enjoyable.
The curriculum at Burton Morewood is ambitious and well-structured, building on the foundational skills and knowledge acquired in the early years. Leaders have implemented recent changes to the curriculum, which are in the process of being embedded. Teachers regularly assess pupil learning to identify those who may need additional support, ensuring that all students can keep pace with their education. The school has strengthened its phonics and early reading curriculum, with systematic lesson planning that introduces new sounds effectively. However, some reading materials provided to younger pupils are occasionally too challenging, which can hinder their reading development.
Pupils exhibit good behavior in lessons, demonstrating attentiveness and a willingness to engage with their learning. The school encourages independence among younger children, who quickly learn essential skills, such as changing into appropriate clothing for outdoor activities. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with leaders ensuring that their needs are identified early and addressed effectively.
The school also emphasizes the importance of understanding life beyond the local community. Pupils learn about national and global issues, fostering respect and empathy for others. They engage in various charitable activities, including fundraising for local charities and supporting a school in a refugee camp in Uganda. This commitment to social responsibility helps pupils develop a sense of respect for diversity and an understanding of their role in the wider world.
The governing body is actively involved in the school's performance, with governors taking the initiative to understand the school's operations and support staff well-being. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with thorough checks on all adults working in the school and regular training to keep staff informed about safeguarding practices.
While the school has made commendable progress, there are areas for improvement. Leaders need to ensure that adaptations to the curriculum are regularly assessed for their impact on pupil outcomes. Additionally, it is essential to provide reading materials that align closely with the phonics knowledge of early readers to enhance their fluency and confidence. Overall, Burton Morewood C of E Primary School is a supportive and effective learning environment, well-preparing its pupils for future educational endeavors.
