KIRKBY Malham Primary School has been rated as a ‘good’ school following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors visited the voluntary aided primary school over two days in February.

Inspectors recognised the improvements made noting the executive head, Richard Wright, had ‘strengthened many aspects of the school and consequently the school is well placed and continues its improvement’.

The last visit in 2016 gave the school an overall effectiveness rating as ‘requires improvement’

Inspectors also recognised the close link with Settle Primary School as being ‘enormously beneficial’ enabling staff to improve and share their expertise.

A ‘good’ rating was placed on all the elements they inspected which encompassed leadership and management, quality of teaching, personal development and behaviour, outcomes for pupils and early years provision.

They noted the writing of pupils reaching year six was of ‘exceptional quality’ and noted that children feel safe, their behaviour is good and they enjoy a varied and interesting curriculum.

Governance is strong, providing support and challenge in equal measure with high quality teaching, meaning pupils enjoy learning immensely.

There is a good culture of reading in the school and many pupils read for pleasure and all are heard reading out load.

In early years, children thrive as a result of the good quality teaching. They quickly learn beneficial habits and behaviours to prepare them well for year one.

Pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is generally good, however, there are some gaps in pupils’ personal development in year six.

Children attend lessons regularly and are punctual and feel safe and secure from bullying and harassment.

Executive head Richard Wright said: “I am delighted to receive such a positive endorsement from Ofsted, who acknowledge that Kirkby Malham Primary School is going from strength to strength.

“They have identified significant strengths in terms of leadership and management and the report should be seen as a celebration of the all wonderful teaching and learning that takes place in our very special school.”

The school was urged to improve teaching, learning and assessment further by ensuring there is sufficient challenge for pupils, particularly the most able.

Suggestions were also made to improve pupils’ personal development in year six so they are better prepared for the next stage in their education.