Furness village primary praised as 'thriving' and 'a place to smile'

Newton Primary School has been is judged as 'continuing to be good' by Ofsted.

The village school has 65 pupils and numbers have more than doubled over the past five years with the introduction of a nursery class and more families joining.

The Ofsted report, by Her Majesty's Inspector Jonathan Smart, says the leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection in 2014.

The inspection report says: "Newton Primary School is a thriving school where every child really does matter. Your philosophy that the school should be ‘a place to smile’ permeates the very fabric of the building.

"Your pupils are testimony to this mission and vision in action. They are polite, friendly, courteous pupils who are proud of their school. They are equally proud of their teachers and their local community. Without doubt, this is a school that nurtures each pupil. It is a school that is characterised by strong relationships and a tangible sense of inclusivity."

Following the last inspection, alongside the governing body, leaders have "continued to improve teaching and learning across the school".

The report says there is strong evidence that pupils are "making good progress right across the school because of the wrap-around care that you and your staff provide for them."

Pupils make "very strong progress" in reading right across the school. By the end of Key Stage one, pupils achieve well in relation to their starting points. By the end of Key Stage Two, "pupils’ progress is well above the national average".

Mr Smart said Newton Primary School staff are "highly skilled" in supporting pupils who have more complex needs. Pupils who have struggled to settle in other schools "thrive" at the school. The staff also cater "very well" for pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Mrs Fell said: "We are immensely proud of our school and are thrilled that the Ofsted inspection captured and highlighted the strong relationships and nurturing characteristics of our school.

It is an absolute pleasure to work in a creative, vibrant, inspiring and welcoming environment where pupils thrive.

The inspector quoted that “Your philosophy that the school should be a ‘place to smile ‘permeates the very fabric of the building”. We are delighted that the inspection recognised and appreciated that we are a very close family orientated school where every child really does matter. "We pride ourselves on ensuring that every child loves coming to school and has the opportunities to experience fun, creative lessons both inside and outside with a wide variety of visitors, educational visits and after-school clubs.

"I am so pleased that the report acknowledged the hard work and commitment of all staff, governors, parents and children in the drive to continually improve and develop our wonderful village school."