Eskdale Junior School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Pupils thrive at Eskdale Junior School. They say they enjoy learning new things and that the staff are kind. The school has extremely high expectations of pupils' achievement.

Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve exceptionally well, particularly in mathematics and reading.

The school's 'STARS' values of 'skills and knowledge for life, take care, aim high, respond to challenge and self-discipline' underpin all the school does. Pupils said these values help them understand behaviour and learning expectations.

Pupils quickly become confident and resilient learners. Pupils' behaviour in lessons and around scho...ol is exceptional. Pupils are polite and respectful to each other and to staff.

They feel safe in school.

Pupils have many opportunities to develop their character. They are keen to take up these opportunities.

For example, pupils enjoy serving food at lunchtime. They also relish being on the school council, being a 'maths' ambassador or being part of the library squad.

The school carefully plans the trips and visits that pupils experience.

Pupils enjoy going to the theatre and sporting events. Many pupils enjoy attending the range of high-quality enrichment opportunities the school provides. For example, taking part in choir, football, netball, basketball, sewing and Mandarin club.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that outlines the knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils should learn and when. This supports teachers in delivering the curriculum exceptionally well. Teachers use their excellent subject knowledge to design activities that precisely match the intended learning.

As a result, pupils securely build on their knowledge over time. Pupils, including those with SEND, make excellent progress through the curriculum. They produce high-quality work.

Teachers skilfully check how well pupils learn. They quickly address any errors or misconceptions that pupils may have. Teachers question pupils to develop their understanding highly effectively.

They ensure that pupils develop their grasp of important vocabulary. This helps pupils express their thoughts and ideas clearly and accurately.

The school has ensured that reading is a top priority.

Pupils who need extra support with reading get regular help from well-trained staff. This helps them to catch up with their peers. Teachers ensure that pupils have many opportunities to read a range of texts throughout the school day.

Teachers are skilful in developing pupils' reading skills. Pupils quickly learn the skills and knowledge they need to read confidently and fluently. Pupils enjoy story time at the end of each day and choosing books from the inviting library.

This helps pupils develop a love of reading.

The school accurately identifies any additional needs pupils may have. The school ensures that pupils who speak English as an additional language get well-thought-out support so they can access the curriculum and achieve well.

Staff know the needs of all pupils well. For example, they adapt activities and provide additional support to pupils with SEND. This helps these pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils learn in calm and orderly classrooms. They have excellent attitudes to learning. They consistently demonstrate the ability to persevere when they find something difficult.

The school closely tracks pupils' attendance and swiftly addresses any issues. As a result, most pupils have excellent attendance.

The school places a high importance on pupils' broader development.

Pupils learn how to be safe online and in the community. They learn about healthy lifestyles and different cultures and religions. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Pupils enjoyed learning about Black History Month and could recall individuals and their significant contributions to society. Pupils know to respect others and to be tolerant. They have many opportunities to discuss and debate ideas.

Pupils are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.

The school is exceptionally well led and managed. Staff enjoy working at the school.

They feel well supported with their workload and well-being. Parents and carers are positive about the care and the quality of education their children receive. Those responsible for governance understand and fulfil their statutory duties effectively.

They provide effective support and challenge. The school continually strives to ensure that all pupils get the best education possible.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.