Gilsland CofE Primary School

Overview

This small, welcoming primary school is described as a place where pupils feel part of a family and are ‘very happy’. Leaders have designed a ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’ that builds knowledge logically, with a strong focus on reading and vocabulary. The school has successfully addressed weaknesses from its previous inspection, resulting in effective leadership and high expectations for all pupils.

Strengths

• Pupils behave in a ‘calm and sensible way’, care for each other, and ensure everyone is included in school life.
• Leaders have prioritised reading, introducing a new phonics curriculum taught ‘consistently well’ with diverse books that help pupils become ‘confident and fluent readers’.
• Subject leaders provide effective support, ensuring teachers have the confidence and knowledge to deliver the intended curriculum successfully.
• Pupils appreciate their unique location on Hadrian’s Wall, enjoying regular visits to Roman forts which help them ‘develop a sense of time and place’.
• Staff feel ‘well supported and valued’, with leaders taking steps to reduce workload and consider staff well-being.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure staff have sufficient training to ‘identify effectively pupils who may have additional needs’, as some pupils with SEND are not identified well enough.
• The personal development curriculum needs to be ‘delivered consistently well’ to ensure pupils are prepared to be ‘independent, resilient and respectful citizens’.
• Leaders should provide more opportunities for pupils to ‘discuss and debate their ideas in a respectful and considered way’ to improve listening skills.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to identify risks and leaders taking ‘appropriate and swift action’ when concerns are reported.