Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School, Kendal

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The headteacher, leaders and governors have continued to improve the school and sustained the good quality of education. The school provides a nurturing atmosphere where pupils develop positive values, grow in confidence and feel extremely safe. 'Pupils feel valued for what they are, not what they can do', was a typical comment from pupils, and characterises the work of the school.

Teaching is good. It has been adapted successfully to take account of the changes in the national curriculum. Pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics, from the time they enter school to the time they leave at the end of Year 6.

They attain... standards that are above expectations for their age at each key stage. Pupils' behaviour is outstanding. They are highly motivated in lessons and behave with courtesy and consideration around the school.

Leadership of English, mathematics and special educational needs is effective and successful in raising standards. Governors provide rigorous support and challenge to school leaders. They have an in-depth understanding of the school's strengths and priorities for improvement and of national issues.

Leadership and provision in the early years are outstanding. Children love learning and are inspired to make excellent progress in all areas of learning. The strengths in leadership, governance and teaching provide secure capacity to continue to improve the school.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : Teaching is not as effective in science, history and geography as it is in other subjects. There is also unevenness in pupils' progress in different year groups in writing and mathematics. The new approach to assessment is used well but is not being used highly effectively by all teachers.

The most-able pupils do not find work challenging enough in some classes. Leaders do not have in-depth knowledge of the impact of teaching and pupils' progress in all subjects. Ofsted_Logo_Black_RGB

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average-sized primary school.

Children in the early years are provided for in a Reception class. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils supported by the pupil premium is below average. (The pupil premium is additional government funding to support pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after by the local authority.

) The school is in a relatively advantaged area. The proportion of pupils who have special educational needs or disability is broadly average. The vast majority of pupils are White British.

A very small proportion speak English as an additional language. The school meets the government's current floor standards. These are the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics at the end of Year 6.

The school participates in a cluster network with other primary schools in the area. An after-school club is provided on the site. This is not managed by the governing body and receives a separate inspection report which is published on the Ofsted website.

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