Bassenthwaite Primary School

Overview

Bassenthwaite Primary School provides a high-quality education where pupils are "well prepared for the next stage of their education." The report highlights a "small, friendly school" with a "compassionate and skilled approach" that ensures all pupils feel included and safe. While most areas meet the expected standard, inclusion is rated at a strong standard.

Strengths

• Inclusion is "highly effective," with leaders quickly identifying needs and using strategies like 'Happy Plans' to support emotional regulation.
• Pupils achieve well, with published outcomes "above national averages" and "above-average phonics outcomes."
• Attendance is a "clear success," remaining above national figures with persistent absence "below the national average."
• Behaviour is described as "calm and purposeful," supported by "warm and respectful relationships."
• Staff deliver "well delivered" teaching, using clear steps and recaps to help pupils secure knowledge.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure pupils have "regular, well-matched opportunities to practise handwriting" to reduce errors.
• Leaders should complete curriculum refinements so that knowledge for different year groups is "clearly defined across the curriculum."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.