St Bees Village Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school Senior leaders have successfully maintained the good standard of teaching and learning since the last inspection.

Pupils continue to make good progress as a result. The work of the governing body has improved significantly. Governors are well informed and know what the school does successfully and where it should improve further.

They challenge leaders to make the quality of the school's work even better. Leaders have an accurate understanding of the school's effectiveness. They know where the strengths and weaknesses of the school lie.

Pupils' attainment in reading, writing and mathematics has improved in all year groups. Pupils...' progress is strong across the school in a wide range of subjects. Unvalidated results of the 2018 national tests show a significant increase in the proportion of pupils attaining the expected standard in mathematics by the of end of key stage 2.

The proportion of pupils reaching a high standard in reading and mathematics, or greater depth in writing, has also increased strongly. Safeguarding is effective. Pupils said that they feel safe.

They have confidence in staff to look after them. The teaching of phonics is a strength. The proportion of pupils meeting the expected standard in the Year 1 phonics check is typically at least in line with the national average and rising.

Leaders and staff promote pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well. Good leadership and teaching in the early years ensure that children are cared for fully and make good progress from their starting points. Pupils are polite and courteous; they welcome visitors and support each other positively around the school.

Pupils' attendance is above the national average. Leaders and governors make sure that the curriculum is effective. Consequently, pupils develop good knowledge in a range of subjects.

However, pupils do not gain all of the necessary skills and knowledge that they need in geography. The presentation of pupils' work in their books is not consistently good.

Information about this school

St Bees Village Primary School is an average-sized primary school.

The majority of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities is below average. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below average.

The governing body now manages the on-site pre-school, which caters for Nursery-age children. The school meets the government's current floor standards, which are the minimum expectations of pupils' attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. The school meets the Department for Education's definition of a coasting school, based on key stage 2 academic performance results in 2015, 2016 and 2017.