Crosby-on-Eden CofE School, located in Carlisle, Cumbria, has recently undergone an inspection on June 25 and 26, 2024, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The early years provision has been rated as outstanding. The headteacher, Claire Keitch, also serves as the chief executive officer of the Crosby-on-Eden Multi-Academy Trust, which oversees the school alongside a board of trustees chaired by Robert Gordon. The school was last inspected 11 years ago, receiving an outstanding rating under a previous framework.
Pupils at Crosby-on-Eden enjoy a supportive and welcoming environment, feeling valued and happy. They are eager to learn and engage with the curriculum, which is well-organized and ambitious, particularly in the early years. The curriculum inspires children and prepares them exceptionally well for their future education. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, typically achieve well across various subjects. They actively participate in learning opportunities and enjoy extracurricular activities, including visits to local attractions and participation in clubs.
Classrooms are described as calm and purposeful, with pupils demonstrating politeness and good manners. Older students take responsibility for younger peers during breaks, fostering a caring community. The school emphasizes a broad range of activities beyond academics, including residential trips and various clubs, which are often led by members of the school council.
While the curriculum is generally strong, there are areas for improvement. Some subjects have identified gaps in pupils' knowledge due to weaknesses in the previous curriculum. Staff have not consistently addressed these gaps, which can hinder some pupils' progress. Additionally, while pupils revisit important knowledge within new units, opportunities to recap previous learning across different year groups are not as robust, affecting long-term retention of information.
Reading is a priority at the school, with pupils benefiting from a wide range of resources that promote a love of reading. The phonics program is delivered effectively, ensuring that children develop strong reading skills from an early age. The school has a proactive approach to identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs, allowing them to progress well through the curriculum.
Behaviour expectations are high, and most pupils respond positively, contributing to high attendance rates. The school successfully communicates the importance of regular attendance to parents and pupils alike. Furthermore, the school provides enriching experiences that help pupils understand the wider world, fostering qualities such as tolerance, equality, and democracy. Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in decision-making processes, such as selecting charities to support.
The school promotes a positive culture among staff, who appreciate the training and support provided. Efforts have been made to manage staff workload effectively, particularly regarding documentation for pupils with special educational needs. The board of trustees and local governing body have a clear understanding of the school's educational quality and are committed to supporting further improvements.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. To enhance the quality of education further, the school needs to address the identified gaps in knowledge and ensure that pupils have ample opportunities to revisit and reinforce their learning over time. Overall, Crosby-on-Eden CofE School demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
