Ofsted conducted a short inspection of Bishop Lonsdale Church of England Primary Academy on 26 June 2019, following its previous good rating in February 2013. The inspection confirmed that the school continues to provide a good quality of education. The leadership team, including Principal Miss Karen Taylor and Vice-Principal, has effectively maintained and built upon the school's strengths since their appointment in September 2018. They have identified areas for improvement and are fostering a collaborative environment among staff, benefiting from their partnership with St Chads Academies Trust.
The school sets high expectations for both pupils and staff, resulting in well-behaved students who are eager to learn. Staff members express pride in their roles, and the majority of parents are positive about the school, noting the strong start their children receive in Nursery and Reception. While some parents have expressed a desire for improved communication, overall satisfaction remains high.
Pupil attendance is commendable, and students demonstrate enthusiasm and curiosity in their learning. The quality of teaching is high, leading to above-average standards in early years, key stage 1 reading and writing, and key stage 2 reading and mathematics. However, while writing standards at key stage 2 align with national averages, there is room for improvement in challenging the most able pupils in mathematics and writing.
Leaders regularly monitor teaching quality, supported by collaborative efforts within the multi-academy trust. Staff are aware of their strengths and areas for development, and professional development opportunities are utilized to enhance teaching practices. The curriculum is engaging and innovative, providing enriching experiences that promote cultural and language development. Pupils benefit from various visitors and local environment explorations, which enhance their learning experiences.
Safeguarding measures are effective, with staff receiving regular training to ensure pupil safety is prioritized. Detailed records of safeguarding actions are maintained, and staff are knowledgeable about reporting procedures. Pupils feel safe and are aware of whom to approach with concerns, with parents largely agreeing that their children are safe at school.
The inspection focused on writing progress and the teaching of science. Writing is prioritized from Nursery onward, with pupils enjoying purposeful writing activities. However, there is variability in the challenge provided to the most able writers across different classes. The school has made strides in fostering a love of reading, with stimulating book areas and effective phonics teaching. Pupils are developing strong comprehension skills and express enjoyment in reading.
Science outcomes are above national averages, with enthusiastic leadership in the subject. Pupils engage in scientific inquiry and demonstrate good progress in their understanding. The school organizes events to raise the profile of science, and pupils actively participate in hands-on learning experiences.
Next steps for the school include continuing to develop pupils' writing and spelling skills across the curriculum and ensuring that all teachers provide appropriate challenges to help more pupils achieve higher standards in writing and mathematics. The inspection findings highlight the school's commitment to continuous improvement and the overall positive environment for learning.
