Yanwath Primary School, located in Penrith, Cumbria, was inspected on January 11 and 12, 2022. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with consistent ratings of good across various categories including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was the first inspection under section five of the Education Act 2005 since the school became an academy in September 2017.
Pupils at Yanwath Primary School feel safe and happy, demonstrating good behaviour both in lessons and throughout the school environment. They are respectful, kind, and supportive of one another, and they enjoy engaging in various activities together. Parents and carers have expressed confidence in the staff's ability to handle incidents of bullying effectively. The early years provision is particularly strong, with staff building positive relationships with children and fostering their independence and resilience, ensuring they are well-prepared for future learning.
The school offers a rich curriculum that is designed to engage pupils and promote a wide range of knowledge. Leaders have tailored the curriculum to reflect the interests of the local area, ensuring that it is both ambitious and relevant. Teachers are well-trained in most subjects, effectively delivering the curriculum and motivating pupils to succeed. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with pupils enjoying access to high-quality books and developing a love for reading from an early age. This focus on literacy contributes to their overall academic success.
While the school excels in many areas, there are some subjects where teachers have not received sufficient training, which can hinder the effectiveness of the curriculum delivery. In these subjects, teachers may not always select the most appropriate activities to support learning, resulting in some pupils not achieving their full potential. Leaders are aware of this issue and are working to ensure that all staff receive the necessary training to enhance their expertise in delivering the foundation subjects.
The school has effective safeguarding arrangements in place, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks to pupils. Leaders work diligently to ensure that pupils learn about managing risks, including online safety and outdoor activities. The positive attitudes of pupils towards learning, combined with high attendance rates, further contribute to their success.
Leaders and governors are committed to the continuous improvement of the school, regularly evaluating the quality of education provided. They ensure that opportunities for personal development are integrated into the school’s activities, with pupils participating in various enriching experiences. The school community values discussions around important topics such as equality and justice, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness among pupils.
In summary, Yanwath Primary School provides a supportive and engaging environment for its pupils, promoting their academic and personal development effectively. The school is well-regarded by parents and the local community, with a strong focus on reading and a commitment to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, receive a high-quality education. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in the training of staff for certain subjects, the overall performance of the school is commendable.
