Ambleside Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

This is a highly ambitious school. Leaders have a clear and strong vision for what they want pupils to achieve. All staff are united in this vision.

They are determined to ensure that all pupils do well. Central to this approach is the building of strong relationships, particularly with pupils, parents and carers. Staff make every effort to remove any barriers that pupils may face in their learning.

Pupils do well here.

The school's provision for personal development is exceptional. It provides many opportunities for pupils to develop their character and a deep understanding of the world around them.

Careers weeks open pupils' eyes to opportunities t...hat lie ahead; one of the many strategies that raise pupils' aspirations.

The school uses its values, such as ambition, respect and empathy, to guide pupils' actions successfully. It strives for pupils to dream, believe and to shine.

Pupils develop resilience to tackle challenges when they face them. As one pupil typically said: 'The school really helps us to become better people.'

The school's expectation for pupils to behave well is high.

Pupils appreciate this and say it helps them to make the right choices by themselves. Pupils are happy and feel safe.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school has established an ambitious and well-structured curriculum.

Leaders at all levels have a clear vision for the curriculum. There is a consistent approach to teaching subject content throughout the school. Teachers receive the training they need to teach all subjects well.

This ensures that pupils can fully focus on their learning. However, in a few subjects, pupils do not receive sufficient opportunities to deepen their understanding of the curriculum. As a result, few pupils meet the higher standard in their understanding of reading and mathematics by the end of key stage 2.

Classrooms are calm places where pupils concentrate intently and persevere in their work. Teachers check carefully how well pupils understand curriculum content. If pupils fall behind, they soon catch up, because the school provides them with the support they need.

The staff are knowledgeable and skilful at teaching the curriculum.

The school recognises the importance of learning to read in pupils' future success. Staff teach reading in a highly consistent way.

Teachers make sure that the books pupils read match their needs. Teachers focus on exploring the meaning of key vocabulary. Pupils become fluent readers.

The quality of the school's provision in the early years is exceptional. Expectations for all children to settle quickly and achieve well are high. Skilled staff use high-quality conversations to help children to think and to talk about their learning.

Children are highly engaged in all they do. Thoughtfully considered activities provide children with a range of exciting and motivating learning experiences. Children develop warm and positive relationships with staff and with each other.

They work co-operatively, encouraging and supporting each other. Staff check carefully how well children are learning the curriculum. They support children's individual needs very well.

Children make a strong start to their education.

The school is highly ambitious for the learning of pupils with SEND. The school identifies these pupils' needs and shares them well with staff.

Pupils with SEND receive the right support. As well as educational needs, the school supports pupils' social and emotional needs. Where needed, pupils are supported by a counsellor, behaviour therapist and a well-being team.

The school's 'Dolphin Pods' enable pupils with specific needs to access their own curriculum based on their need.

Pupils behave well in school. Their attitudes to their learning are exceptionally positive.

Pupils' attendance at school is increasing. Leaders understand the barriers to securing good attendance. The school provides individualised support to families whose children have low attendance.

The school's vision for pupils' personal development is strong. Pupils contribute widely to the local community. Activities such as litter picking and bulb planting help to make the community a better place.

The 'Ambleside Friending Club' visit the local care home and engage in a variety of activities with the residents. Pupils develop a strong sense of their identity. They are respectful of the characteristics that make people similar and different.

There are a range of opportunities to understand the world of work, work as a team to solve problems and to lead on projects.

Whatever leaders set their mind to, they do well. Leaders at all levels have a strong sense of moral purpose.

This is infectious. Staff go 'above and beyond in the work to improve the education pupils receive'. They are passionate to support their pupils and the community.

The school is a happy, successful place to work and study. The school is well supported by the trust.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

What does the school need to do to improve?

(Information for the school and appropriate authority)

• In a few subjects, the school does not provide pupils with as many opportunities as it could, to deepen their understanding of the curriculum. As a result, a low number of pupils reach the higher standards by the end of key stage 2. The school should further develop opportunities in the curriculum for pupils to develop their knowledge in greater depth.

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