A South Cumbrian primary school has been praised for its positive culture.
Ofsted inspectors visited South Walney Primary School in Barrow in April and published their report today.
The school on Amphitrite Street South, has 191 pupils and is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.
Inspectors said the school had created a positive culture where pupils attended regularly.
Pupils behave very well, the report said, and the school has a calm, orderly and respectful environment.
It added: “Behaviour is a strength during social times too. Pupils play sensibly and treat each other kindly.”
Leaders ensure pupils with medical or social care needs are included successfully in school life, the report added.
The school identifies pupils’ needs quickly, which helps pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The report said: “Pupils benefit from skilfully chosen adjustments matched to their needs.
“For example, effective reading support removes barriers for pupils who need extra help. Leaders track provision closely.
“They review its impact through rigorous checks and adjust support when needed. This helps pupils make progress from their starting points.”
Most pupils achieve well, inspectors found.
The report said: “Over time, by the end of Year 6, pupils’ outcomes in national tests have been above average in reading and mathematics, and in line with national average in writing.
“This means that pupils are typically ready for the next stage of their education. Pupils build and apply their knowledge accurately, particularly in reading and mathematics.
Phonics teaching and fluency support help pupils read with confidence. A sustained focus on arithmetic has strengthened pupils’ recall in mathematics.
“Leaders have developed a broad and engaging curriculum.”
However, some older pupils have gaps in their writing knowledge, but staff are alert to pupils’ weaknesses.
It said: “Leaders have set a clear priority to improve writing.
“Across subjects, teachers use considered adjustments to help all pupils understand new content.
“Adaptations for pupils with special educational need and/or disabilities are used well. These pupils experience success.”
Inspectors found that leaders have a clear vision for the school and their decisions put pupils first, the report said.
It added: “Pupils are proud of their school and describe it as a kind, supportive and welcoming place.
“There are numerous opportunities for pupils beyond the classroom. Pupils say these help them develop their interests and talents. Many pupils learn to play musical instruments, including the keyboard.
“Trips, including to London and local outdoor activity centres, help pupils appreciate life beyond their community.
“This helps prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain. Pupils speak with pride about poetry they have completed linked to the natural environment of Walney. This strengthens their sense of place and what it means to live and learn on the island.”
A school at the centre of its community is celebrating after receiving high praise for its positive culture and behaviour and inclusion of pupils in the most recent Ofsted inspection.
South Walney Juniors secured three strong standard grades in its recent Ofsted report reflecting strengths in attendance and behaviour, inclusion and personal development and wellbeing.
Headteacher Zena Lines said she was proud of the school’s team and thanked parents and the wider community for their continued support.
She added: “We are particularly pleased the inspectors highlighted the wide range of opportunities our pupils have to enable them to thrive, their behaviour and contribution to school life and how they are so well prepared for the next step of their education by our experienced and dedicated staff.”
Chair of governors Les Hall said: “This report reflects the hard work and dedication of Ms Lines and her wonderful staff and the way they put children at the centre of everything we do.”
South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust Acting chief executive Steve Jefferson said: “Well done to Zena and the team who have secured some of the first strong standards in the county and achieving a report outcome that reflects the high quality of education at South Walney Junior School.”
