Dearham Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. Dearham inspires pupils to thrive in both their personal and academic development.

Pupils of all ages are inspired by the adults around them. They are eager to learn and achieve high levels of attainment by the end of Year 6. All pupils, including those eligible for the pupil premium, are treated as individuals and make outstanding progress.

Outstanding teaching stimulates and supports pupils. This is due to the skills, dedication and commitment of teachers, teaching assistants and visiting specialists. They work extremely well together to plan lessons which enthuse pupils.

Teachers continually measure pupils' understand...ing of their work and use this to plan lessons which meet the needs of every individual. Occasionally in lessons, pupils do not always have long enough to find out things for themselves. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary.

From an early age, pupils enjoy coming to school. They all show a great deal of respect towards each other and to all the staff and visitors. Together, all staff, members of the governing body, volunteers and visitors create an exceptional environment in which to learn.

This contributes to the pupils being extremely well prepared for the next stage in their education which is very much appreciated by pupils and their parents. The headteacher, senior staff and the governing body are totally committed to continually improving Dearham. They thoroughly check on the quality of teaching and this has led to continuous improvement in pupils' performance across all subjects.

Information about this school

Dearham is an average size primary school. The numbers of pupils attending the school are increasing. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for the pupil premium is in line with that found nationally.

Most pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils supported at school action is above average, as is the proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs. Approximately one quarter of pupils joins the school during Key Stage 2.

The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club. The school holds the Healthy School Award, Activemark and is an accredited International School in addition to being enrolled with Kidsafe. It is part of the Maryport Consortium and a Creative Partnership school.

There have recently been additional staff appointed to the school. The headteacher is a National Professional Qualification for Headteacher's assessor for the National College and a Primary Academy Associate for the Department for Education. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics.