Eskdale Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. The headteacher's clear direction and ambitious plans for the school, shared by all staff and governors, has continued to improve the school since its previous inspection.

Pupils achieve exceptionally well and make outstanding progress. Standards are high. Teaching is never less than good and much is outstanding.

Teachers' expectations of their pupils are consistently high. The strategies used to teach writing are outstanding. Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning and respond extremely well to the demanding tasks set for them.

Their enjoyment of school is obvious and is reflected in high rates of attendance. Teach...ers and teaching assistants work well together; although teachers sometimes use their teaching assistants too narrowly in supporting pupils' learning. Teaching is exceptionally well led and managed.

Teachers constantly share ideas and expertise in order to challenge their pupils further. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils feel very safe in school because standards of care and welfare are high.

Activities are carefully planned to provide pupils with skills that are highly relevant for their future lives. However, opportunities to develop partnerships with local schools are sometimes missed. The governing body is well organised and highly effective in carrying out its role.

Information about this school

Eskdale Junior is similar in size to the average primary school. Most pupils are White British and almost all speak English as their first language. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average.

The proportion supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is also below average. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium (which provides additional funding for pupils looked after by the local authority, those known to be eligible for free school meals and those with a parent in the armed forces) is broadly average. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress in English and mathematics.