Ingleton CofE Primary School, located in a small rural community in County Durham, has been recognized for its effective leadership and commitment to maintaining high educational standards. The school is part of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, with Karen Whitaker serving as the executive headteacher. The trust is overseen by CEO Paul Rickard and a board of trustees led by John Taylor. The recent inspection on October 8, 2024, highlighted the school's strengths and areas for improvement, confirming that it has taken effective action to uphold the standards identified in previous inspections.
Pupils at Ingleton CofE Primary School are described as welcoming, friendly, and polite, embodying the school's values of kindness and honesty. The staff fosters a strong culture of inclusivity, with religious education and collective worship enhancing pupils' understanding of tolerance and respect for others. Most students achieve well, demonstrating enthusiasm in lessons and taking pride in their work. The early years' environment is calm and settled, allowing children to benefit from clear routines and expectations, which helps them make a positive start to their education.
The school is dedicated to preparing pupils for life beyond their immediate locality. Leaders provide opportunities for students to visit cities like Durham and Newcastle, and a well-planned personal, social, and health education curriculum ensures that pupils learn to lead safe and healthy lifestyles. The school collaborates with local services, such as the police and fire service, to reinforce important safety messages.
Ingleton CofE Primary School offers a broad and ambitious curriculum, carefully designed to accommodate mixed-age classes. The English curriculum includes diverse literature that reflects modern Britain, and pupils engage with a wide range of artists in their art and design lessons. However, some subjects lack clarity regarding the specific knowledge pupils need to acquire, leading to overly complex lessons that can hinder learning. This occasionally results in some pupils losing focus and struggling with their behavior.
Pupils take pride in their work, particularly in English and mathematics, and those with special educational needs and disabilities receive effective support. While teachers generally check pupils' understanding and provide opportunities for consolidation, there is inconsistency in addressing basic errors in written work, particularly regarding grammar and spelling. This inconsistency can inhibit older pupils' writing fluency and competence.
The school's phonics program is well-implemented, enabling pupils to become competent readers quickly. Children in the early years develop a love for reading, actively participating in storytime sessions. Pupils understand the school's behavior expectations, and incidents of poor behavior are rare. Positive relationships between staff and pupils contribute to a high level of enjoyment in attending school, reflected in their strong attendance rates.
The school encourages discussions on current affairs, helping pupils develop confidence in expressing their opinions. Educational visits, such as residential trips, foster resilience and teamwork skills. Staff express pride in their work at the school, acknowledging the challenges of workload but appreciating leadership efforts to mitigate this. Local academy councillors demonstrate a strong understanding of their roles, ensuring effective governance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Ingleton CofE Primary School are effective, contributing to a safe learning environment. To improve further, the school should establish a consistent approach to correcting basic errors in spelling and punctuation, ensuring pupils develop a secure understanding of age-appropriate grammar and writing expectations. Additionally, curriculum plans should clearly outline the essential knowledge pupils need to retain, facilitating a more coherent learning progression over time.
