A CRAVEN primary school judged to be ‘good’ by Ofsted and on its way to ‘outstanding’ has been praised for its ‘strong’ leadership and positive attitudes of staff and children.

Thornton-in-Craven Community Primary School, Cam Lane, which has 77 children on its roll, received its second ‘good’ rating at its short inspection carried out by inspectors in June, following its initial ‘good’ rating in November, 2013.

Ofsted inspector, Richard Knowles, said teachers were proud of their village school and as a result had created a ‘lively, stimulating environment where everyone’s view is valued’.

In his report, Mr Knowles said staff morale was high, all teachers felt valued, and pupils and staff had a special relationship. “It was great to see them playing hopscotch together at the start of the day,” he said.

All of the parents he spoke to were wholeheartedly in support of the school and were ‘effusive’ in their praise, he said. “One told me, ‘provision is fantastic, you never see a miserable child here.”

The children too were proud of their school and all those he spoke to keen to describe its friendly, caring ethos and how they would ‘recommend it to a friend’.

Teaching and attainment continued to be good, with pupils achieving well throughout. Areas in the school development plan was being ‘tackled with rigour’ and attainment was particularly strong at the end of key stage two, where results were ‘significantly higher’ than the national averages in reading, writing and maths.

He said: “All pupils reached or exceeded the expected standard in maths at the end of key stage two in 2017, placing the school in the top one per cent of primary schools in England. The quality of writing seen in both key stage two classes was impressive.”

Pupils said they enjoyed coming to school and always felt safe. All described behaviour as good, and were keen to describe the rewards system. “When asked about bullying, one pupil remarked - ‘no, never happens’, while another said: ‘we always try to be respectful to each other’.” said Mr Knowles in his report.

Mr Knowles said headteacher Katie Smith had provided ‘determined, dedicated and astute leadership’ and was held in high regard by governors, staff and parents.

Miss Smith, headteacher for just three years, welcomed the report. “The school has consistently achieved a good rating and the inspection highlighted how we have moved to ‘very very good. Our journey towards outstanding was recognised by the inspector and we are delighted that we are clearly on the right path. I would like to take the opportunity to thank staff, parents, governors and our hard-working children for everything they have done to get the school to where it is today. The school is thriving due to the partnership we have together.”

Neil Roe, chairman of governors, added: “This report confirms that we have created an environment where children feel happy and safe, and pupils are supported to achieve their maximum potential. We were delighted to see this reflected in Ofsted’s report.”