A Lake District school has been praised by the education watchdog.
Bassenthwaite School, near Keswick, was visited by Ofsted inspectors in June and their report was published this month.
The school, which has 23 pupils on its roll and is part of the Keswick School Multi Academy Trust, reached expected standards in most of the categories reviewed and a strong standard for inclusion.
Inspectors said pupils were well supported and staff made skilful adjustments to help youngsters stay calm and focused.
Their report added: “Leaders use clear systems to check pupils’ needs and track their progress.
“They review the support pupils receive and make swift changes when needed. Staff receive helpful training that builds their confidence in supporting a wide range of needs.”
It said the school had recently strengthened its curriculum and teaching was delivered well.
The report found that pupils achieved well over time, with published outcomes above national averages and children were well prepared for the next stage of their education.
It said: “Staff have secure subject knowledge and explain new ideas in simple, clear steps. They recap previous learning and question pupils to check that they remember important knowledge.
“Staff teach early reading and phonics well. Pupils who need extra help receive targeted support that helps them to keep up with their peers. Staff make adjustments for pupils with barriers to learning, allowing them to take part fully in lessons.”
But, the report added: “In some areas of the curriculum, the knowledge that different year groups should learn is not yet defined precisely enough. This means that pupils do not deepen their learning as much as they could.
“Handwriting has been prioritised but is not consistent across the school. Staff do not provide sufficient opportunities, or design tasks carefully enough, to practise handwriting. This means that handwriting errors remain.”
The report said pupils behaved well and were proud to belong to the school.
It added: “They describe the school as a place where everyone is included and treated kindly.
“Mixed-age friendships are common, and pupils play happily together at social times. They enjoy the wide range of opportunities available to them.
“Older pupils speak with excitement about residential visits, national singing competitions and drama performances that enhance the curriculum. Pupils value the chance to contribute to the school community.
“Many talk proudly about the impact of fundraising for local charities. Others share pride in their efforts in litter picking and shrub planting within their local rural community. Through roles as school councillors, pupils work with leaders to set out wider enrichment opportunities.”
The report’s recommended next steps for Bassenthwaite School were:
- Leaders should ensure that pupils have regular, well-matched opportunities to practise handwriting so that errors reduce and pupils write with greater accuracy.
- Leaders should complete their curriculum refinements, ensuring that the knowledge different year groups need to learn and remember is clearly defined across the curriculum.
