Ofsted

Our school underwent an Ofsted inspection in December 2024.

Ofsted could see that we deliver our ambition and values. Our school is a happy, inclusive, and nurturing environment with high aspirations for all.  

Inspectors were particularly impressed with the following areas, highlighting them as strengths and offering comments of praise:

The leadership of the school is a strength. The school engages well with parents and carers, who are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Leaders prioritise staff’s well-being and workload. As a result, staff enjoy working at the school and are happy.

Derwentwater’s ethos of ambition, unity and character underpins its work. Pupils benefit from a nurturing environment. Staff prioritise pupils’ emotional well-being and pastoral care. The school fosters a strong sense of belonging through warm and respectful relationships between staff and pupils. 

Expectations for behaviour and achievement are high. Pupils respond positively, showing respect for one another. They enjoy lessons and engage enthusiastically in their learning.

Pupils are polite and well mannered, treating each other with kindness. In cases where behaviour falls short of expectations, staff act swiftly to address issues. This ensures a calm and purposeful atmosphere in classrooms and on the playground.

 The personal, social, health and economic curriculum is at the heart of this. It is well structured and expertly delivered. Pupils are taught about fundamental British values, such as democracy and respect. They are taught how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy. Opportunities for pupil leadership, such as the school council, enable pupils to contribute to the life of the school, such as the design of the school’s playground environment.

The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum. It is well designed and taught in a logical sequence that builds on pupils’ knowledge. The school has a strong focus on personal development.

From the early years, phonics is taught effectively. Pupils practise reading books that are well matched to the sounds they know. Pupils who need additional help are quickly identified and supported to catch up. This approach builds strong foundations for reading fluency and comprehension

To read our full inspection report, please click the link below:

 Ofsted Report Derwentwater Primary 17th and 18th December 2024