East Cowton Church of England Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Main findings

This is a good school.

The energy and clarity of vision of the headteacher, with effective support from staff and the governing body, ensures pupils of all abilities are eager to learn and achieve well. The outstanding care, guidance and support and excellent partnership with parents and carers contribute well to pupils' exemplary behaviour and high levels of attendance. The school has rigorous procedures for monitoring and evaluating the quality of its work and for staff's professional development.

As a result, the school has developed well since it was last inspected and there is a good capacity to sustain improvement. The school is successful in helping groups of pupils of all abilities, i...ncluding those whose circumstances may make them vulnerable and the more-able, to make good progress and reach challenging targets. Pupils' attainment is above average in English and mathematics by time they leave school in Year 6.

Pupils have a good understanding of how to stay safe from harm. They are extremely friendly and considerate towards each other and have a good understanding of right and wrong. They are reflective and thoughtful and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good.

Pupils have an excellent knowledge of how to live a healthy lifestyle and take full advantage of many challenging physical activities. Pupils make a good contribution to the school and local community. For example, the school council has been involved in staff interviews and organising fund-raising events.

Teaching is good and, occasionally, outstanding. Relationships are excellent and teachers make lessons exciting through the stimulating use of information and communication technology (ICT), games and puzzles. Generally, lessons are brisk and challenging.

Very occasionally, the work during lessons is not matched closely enough all pupils' learning needs consistently. In those lessons, pupils do not always make the best progress they could. Teachers make good use of marking to identify areas for improvement.

However, a few opportunities are missed to involve pupils enough in assessing and improving their own work and, therefore, extend their understanding of what is expected of them. The lively and imaginative curriculum provides good opportunities for pupils to develop their basic skills through interesting themes. Teachers know their pupils extremely well and track their progress very carefully.

Sharply focused support ensures that pupils facing challenging circumstances and at risk of falling behind also make good progress. Parents and carers are extremely proud of the school. A typical example of their views is 'East Cowton is a fantastic school.

I am very proud of it. It is a well organised, friendly and amazing school.'

Information about the school

East Cowton CE Primary is much smaller than other primary schools.

Currently, all pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is below average. The percentage of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is broadly average.

The school has achieved several awards, including Healthy Schools status, Active Mark, Inclusion Quality Mark and a Global Dimension Award. The teaching staff have been appointed to the school since the last inspection. The headteacher returned from maternity leave in September 2011 at the start of the term during which the inspection took place.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms