Tebay Primary School, located in a rural community in Cumbria, has been recognized for its overall effectiveness, achieving a Good rating in various aspects including the quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school, which opened as an academy in September 2017, has created a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and thrive. Parents and carers appreciate the caring atmosphere, which is considered a significant strength of the school. Pupils exhibit good behavior both in class and during breaks, and they report that instances of bullying are rare, with confidence in staff to address any issues promptly.
The school promotes values of respect, responsibility, and resilience, fostering a supportive community among pupils. Older students actively assist younger ones, contributing to a positive school culture. Health and well-being are prioritized, with pupils participating in activities such as an annual cross-country competition and various after-school clubs, including a cooking club that engages with the local community by providing meals to families.
Pupils feel safe and learn about safety beyond the school environment, including swimming lessons and awareness of open water safety. They enjoy learning and meet the high expectations set by staff, which contributes to their academic success. The curriculum is designed to engage pupils, with clear plans outlining the knowledge and skills to be acquired in each subject. Mathematics instruction includes quizzes that help reinforce learning and retention, leading to strong achievement in this area.
Reading is a priority, with phonics taught from the start of schooling. Pupils effectively use their phonics knowledge to tackle unfamiliar words and receive additional support if they fall behind. Older pupils express a genuine love for reading, often preferring it over screen time, and they achieve well in reading and phonics.
While pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for history, there are gaps in their knowledge due to ineffective use of assessment by teachers in planning lessons. The headteacher has successfully unified the school community after a period of instability, with staff feeling valued and supported through regular training and well-being initiatives. The multi-academy trust provides essential support, ensuring that trustees and the local governing board are well-informed and capable of offering appropriate guidance.
The school has effective procedures for identifying and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, with parents appreciating the personalized assistance provided. Mental health awareness is integrated into the curriculum, and pupils engage in various sports, including less traditional options like tchoukball and lacrosse.
British values are promoted, and pupils learn about life in modern Britain, discussing current issues in assemblies. However, there is a need for more opportunities to explore diverse cultures and faiths. The early years curriculum is well-structured, laying a solid foundation for future learning, with children regularly developing their reading, language, and mathematical skills through engaging activities.
Safeguarding measures are robust, with leaders ensuring a high profile for safeguarding practices. Staff receive ongoing training, and pupils are educated on online safety and personal information protection. To improve, the school needs to enhance assessment practices in foundation subjects like history to better inform teaching and deepen pupils' understanding of various faiths and cultures in Britain, preparing them for life in a diverse society.
