Stephenson Memorial Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school The highly aspirational headteacher and senior leadership team hold high expectations for all. They lead by example and successfully inspire their staff to give of their best. Morale in the school is high, reflecting the positive culture that is evident across the school.

Parents who expressed their opinion hold the school in high esteem. Their written responses reflect senior leaders' commitment to community leadership. The personal development and welfare of pupils are outstanding.

The school gives considerable attention to ensuring that pupils are safe and develop the mental strength and resilience they need to be successful. Pupils ma...ke good progress in each phase of the school. From below-average starting points they reach standards of attainment in line with the national average at the end of key stage 2.

Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress. Teaching is good and supports pupils' good progress in English and mathematics. However, some pupils need more support to secure their grasp of phonics, and some teachers allow basic errors in numeracy and in spelling, punctuation and grammar to persist.

Learning is weaker in the wider curriculum because teachers do not teach enough relevant subject-specific knowledge. As a result, pupils' grasp of subjects such as science or history is weaker. The strength of the curriculum lies in its capacity to capture pupils' imagination and engage them in interesting topics.

Pupils come to school excited to learn, and this has a positive effect on their attendance. The Forest School makes a considerable contribution to pupils' learning and provides an enriching experience for all. Pupils feel safe and well cared for.

Some bullying does happen, but is dealt with quickly and effectively. Children make a good start in the early years. Two-year-old provision contributes especially well to their progress.

Weaknesses in children's speech and language are quickly addressed. Early years leaders acknowledge, however, that there is more to do to foster a strong partnership with parents and carers. The governors provide strong strategic direction and oversight.

The growing collaboration with Grasmere Academy means that governor committees are providing more rigorous scrutiny. Leaders are held to account for the quality of education effectively.

Information about this school

Stephenson Memorial Primary School is much larger than the average-sized primary school.

A smaller than average proportion of pupils are from minority ethnic groups and few pupils speak English as an additional language. The proportion of pupils known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium is more than twice the national average. The proportion of pupils with SEND is above with the national average.

The proportion of pupils who have an education, health and care plan is below average. A small number of pupils attend Silverdale additionally resourced provision. The school offers provision for two-year-olds.

The headteacher is the executive headteacher across Stephenson Memorial Primary and Grasmere Academy. The two schools are working increasingly closely in collaboration. The governing bodies of both schools have begun to align some of the work of their committees.