Ellenborough Academy Review 2026: A small infant school with strong early reading and specialist SEND support

Because Ellenborough Academy is an infant school, parents should not expect the same volume of headline data that is available for junior primaries. There is no Key Stage 2 results profile here, and the most useful “results” indicators are how strong early reading is, how well pupils are supported to learn core knowledge, and what external evaluation says about quality.

The 18 June 2024 inspection confirmed the school remains Good. That matters because it indicates the fundamentals are secure, including classroom routines, curriculum delivery, and safeguarding systems, while also signalling that leaders are expected to keep improving the curriculum detail around early language and communication progression.

Reading is the obvious academic anchor. The school uses Read Write Inc for phonics, describing daily sessions and regular assessment that groups children by stage rather than age. The advantage for parents is clarity and consistency: children learn sounds systematically, practise with books matched to the sounds they have learned, and those who fall behind are identified quickly because the programme is assessment-driven.

In writing, the school sets out specific approaches that are unusually concrete for an infant setting. Story Dough is used in early years to link play, vocabulary, mark making, and story language, then Drawing Club is introduced in Reception to build vocabulary and fine motor control through drawing and structured practice. The practical implication is that writing is treated as a developmental sequence, not simply a worksheet outcome, which can suit children who need time to build physical control and confidence.

Maths appears as a daily priority too. The school day outline includes a dedicated phonics block and clear maths or literacy teaching slots, plus Mastering Number before lunch in Reception and Key Stage 1. For parents, this often translates into predictable routines and frequent retrieval of core number facts, which can be reassuring for children who benefit from structure.

The key transition point is the move at the end of Year 2. Families should plan early to understand which junior or primary schools are the realistic next step, because infant schools do not automatically guarantee a linked place elsewhere. A sensible approach is to treat Ellenborough as the first phase of a longer plan and start asking about likely onward pathways well before Year 2, particularly if a child needs SEND support that must continue seamlessly.

Where the school can be especially valuable is early identification and targeted support before that transition. The inspection evidence points to staff spotting gaps and misconceptions quickly and adapting teaching for pupils with SEND, which can give children a stronger foundation before they move on to a larger setting.

There are effectively two entry routes.

For nursery and pre-school, families apply directly to the school and return forms to the school, with proof of address and date of birth required. The school signposts childcare funding information via Cumberland family support services, and it offers a personalised tour before applying, which is useful for parents who want to see routines and spaces for very young children.

For Reception entry (the main admissions round), Ellenborough is part of the Good Shepherd Trust admissions arrangements and follows the local coordinated scheme timetable. The published admission number for the school is 23. Recent demand data indicates the school is oversubscribed, with 16 applications recorded for 12 offers in the latest available figures, so it is worth treating Reception entry as competitive rather than assuming places will be available on request.

If you are comparing schools locally, FindMySchool’s Map Search is a practical way to sense-check your shortlist against likely travel time and day-to-day logistics, even where exact last-distance data is not published for the setting.

Pastoral practice is tightly linked to early communication and routines. In early years, circle time is used to help children share feelings and opinions, practise listening and turn-taking, and learn social expectations in a calm, explicit way. That can be particularly supportive for children who are still learning how to manage big emotions in a group setting.

The safeguarding picture is clear and reassuring. The inspection record states safeguarding arrangements are effective, and the leadership structure on the website makes it easy to see who holds safeguarding responsibility day to day.

For a small school, Ellenborough makes a point of offering experiences that broaden children’s horizons. The inspection evidence gives unusually specific examples for an infant setting: a residential where pupils learned to canoe, visits from speakers, and practical community activities such as bag packing to raise money. These are helpful indicators of a school that does not treat “wider development” as a vague aspiration.

Responsibility roles are another visible strand. Pupils are given positions such as playground pals and can take part in the school council. For parents, the implication is that behaviour culture is reinforced through positive, child-friendly leadership roles rather than relying only on sanctions.

At classroom level, there is also a practical enrichment theme around vocabulary and first-hand experience. The inspection notes structured work to develop vocabulary, and school documentation around pupil premium barriers explicitly discusses limited first-hand experiences as a challenge the school is addressing. That matters because in an infant school, vocabulary growth is often the hinge that improves progress across reading, writing, and the wider curriculum.

The school day is clearly mapped out. Doors open at 8.30am, with registration at 8.45am, and the day ends at 3.00pm for both nursery and Reception and Key Stage 1, with the internal timetable showing dedicated phonics, maths or literacy blocks, and storytime.

Wraparound is a genuine strength at the start of the day. Breakfast club is free, runs daily, and allows drop-off from 8.00am, which can be a major help for working families. Bookings are managed via Scopay and places are described as limited, so it is best treated as a book-ahead service rather than a casual drop-in.

• This is an infant school. The school only covers ages 2 to 7, so every family will face a planned move after Year 2. Start asking about onward options early to avoid a rushed decision later.

• Reception places can be competitive. Recent admissions figures indicate oversubscription, so it is sensible to apply on time and to have realistic backups.

• Language and communication development is a current improvement focus. The inspection noted strong curriculum intent and delivery overall, but it also asked the school to make the progression in early language and communication knowledge clearer over time. Families with children who have speech and language needs may want to ask specifically how this sequencing is being strengthened.

• Specialist SEND support is available, but it is specific. The school’s specialist resourced provision is designed for pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan and uses a semi-formal curriculum approach, which can be an excellent match for some children and the wrong approach for others. Ask to see how placement decisions are made and what a typical week looks like.

Ellenborough Academy suits families who want a small, structured early years and infant setting with a strong focus on phonics, routines, and communication, plus visible wraparound support at the start of the day. It is particularly relevant for children who benefit from consistent early reading teaching, and for families exploring specialist SEND pathways through the school’s resourced provision. The main challenge is not the education once a place is secured, it is planning the transition beyond Year 2 and approaching Reception entry in a timely, organised way.