Derwentwater Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders have high expectations of pupils and teachers, and have taken decisive action since the previous inspection.

This has led to strong improvements in the quality of teaching and pupils' learning. Consequently, pupils make good progress from their starting points. Governors have an accurate view of the school's strengths and areas for development.

They challenge and support leaders appropriately to secure improvements. Teachers develop pupils' skills in writing for different purposes in English lessons. However, pupils do not routinely transfer these skills to other subjects.

Pupils read well. The standard of reading ...is high in Reception. Pupils in key stage 1 gain good phonics skills.

Across the school, they are keen readers who can discuss their wider reading with confidence. Pupils do not routinely apply their mathematical skills in reasoning and problem-solving activities. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support.

This ensures that they make good progress. Leaders' feedback helps teachers to improve their practice. However, evaluations of teaching and learning in the wider curriculum do not identify precisely how to improve pupils' progress in different subjects.

Pupils feel safe and look out for each other. Good behaviour and pupils' positive attitudes permeate lessons and breaktimes. Children in the early years make a good start to their learning.

Activities are carefully matched to children's needs. As a result, children develop a love of learning. The curriculum provides pupils with varied learning experiences, which motivate and engage pupils.

It contributes well to their personal and social development. However, pupils do not routinely deepen their knowledge and skills in subjects other than English and mathematics. The school provides opportunities for pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

This strongly contributes to their understanding of British values. Pupils' attendance is consistently above average. The good-quality care provided by the school is much appreciated by parents and pupils, alike.

Information about this school

Since the inspection in March 2017, there have been several changes in staffing, including senior leaders and teachers. Derwentwater Primary School is an above-average-sized primary school. The majority of pupils are from a White background, with pupils from an Arab background forming the next sizeable ethnic group.

The proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language is above the national average. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is above the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above the national average.

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