St Martin & St Mary Church of England Primary School in Windermere, Cumbria, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 12 and 13, 2024. The school embodies its vision of providing a fulfilling educational experience for its pupils, who actively engage in the opportunities presented to them, including the use of the outdoor swimming pool. The students demonstrate a strong adherence to the school’s values of friendship and honesty, contributing to a positive and welcoming environment. They express happiness in attending the school and are motivated to meet the high expectations set for their academic achievements.
The school effectively supports a diverse range of learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that all pupils are well-prepared for their future educational journeys. The behavior of the pupils is commendable, as they follow staff instructions and exhibit good conduct. For those requiring additional emotional support, the staff provide nurturing assistance, fostering a sense of safety among the students.
Leadership opportunities are abundant, with pupils participating in various roles such as school councillors and sports leaders, which enhances their teamwork and cooperation skills. The school encourages participation in a wide array of sports, allowing pupils to represent their school across the county.
The curriculum is generally well-structured and ambitious, with most subjects organized to build on prior knowledge, facilitating effective learning experiences. However, there are a few subjects where the curriculum organization is still developing, leading to some gaps in essential knowledge acquisition. Teachers regularly assess pupil understanding, addressing misconceptions promptly, although this practice is less effective in a minority of subjects due to unclear expectations regarding the knowledge to be assessed.
The school prioritizes reading, introducing children to a variety of stories and songs from an early age, which lays a strong foundation for their phonics education. Staff training ensures the phonics program is implemented effectively, enabling pupils to become competent readers who express enthusiasm for literature.
Pupils exhibit politeness and focus in a calm learning environment, with early years children showing curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. The school has made attendance a priority, implementing reward systems and support for those with lower attendance rates, resulting in improved attendance figures.
Personal development is well-supported through a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs and trips that enrich the pupils' learning experiences. The school is attentive to staff well-being, fostering a supportive work environment that encourages pride in being part of the school community.
Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The school is committed to continuous improvement, with a focus on refining the curriculum to ensure clarity in the essential knowledge pupils need to acquire. This will enable teachers to design effective learning experiences and assess pupil understanding more accurately, ultimately enhancing the educational outcomes for all students.
Overall, St Martin & St Mary Church of England Primary School continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment, with a strong commitment to the personal and academic development of its pupils.
