STAFF and pupils at a Barnoldswick primary school are celebrating after receiving a "good" rating from Ofsted.

Coates Lane Primary School in Kirkstall Drive was given the glowing report following an two-day inspection on June 23 and 24.

In the report, lead inspector Ian Hardman wrote: "This is a happy, friendly and welcoming school.

"The headteacher and other senior staff lead with ambition and have high aspirations for pupils. Changes to staffing and a rigorous approach to checking classroom practice have led to improved achievement."

Inspectors were impressed with the pupils, saying they were "well behaved, polite, respectful and proud of their school" and were "keen to learn and work and play harmoniously together".

The inspector added: "All groups of pupils achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics. As a result of a concerted effort by staff, there has been a significant improvement in the quality and quantity of writing pupils complete.

"Children settle well into the reception class and, as a consequence of enthusiastic and effective teaching, they make good progress.

"Teaching is good throughout the school and is characterised by very strong relationships between staff and pupils.

"Governors support and challenge school leaders effectively. They use their strong knowledge of the school to ensure its performance is rigorously monitored."

Inspectors said the school was not yet "outstanding" because "several subject leaders are relatively new to post and, although well intentioned, their impact on learning across the school is not yet fully effective".

In a letter to parents and carers, headteacher Sarah White said: "We are delighted with the feedback and pleased Ofsted recognises the rapid improvements the school has made during the past two years and how we strive to make the school the best it can be."

She added: "We were thrilled so many positive qualities were acknowledged, and the inspectors made it very clear they believed the school has the capacity to keep moving forward."

Mrs White also thanked all parents who completed a survey of the school and "strongly agreed they would recommend Coates Lane to other parents".