Village primary is ‘outstanding’

Ofsted inspectors visited the 99-pupil school in October and gave it top marks in every category, from overall effectiveness to personal wellbeing and development.

They said: “Lothersdale Primary is an outstanding school, providing excellent value for money.

Pupils thrive in the extremely happy, very warm and caring setting, so that they achieved exceptionally well, both academically and in their personal development.

“Excellent partnerships with parents, within the locality and with other schools, help pupils to feel a keen sense of belonging to their vibrant school and to the local community. The school enjoys a very good reputation. Parents are overwhelmingly supportive. They say that they ‘could not wish for anything better for their children’.

“Outstanding teaching and learning ensure that pupils of all ages, including the Early Years Foundation Stage and those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, make first-rate progress.”

The inspectors also praised the “inspirational and visionary” leadership of head teacher Mary Hastings-Trew and the “professionalism, commitment and dedication” of staff.

“No stone is left unturned when it comes to seeking further opportunities for helping pupils to achieve even more.

“Since the previous inspection the school has gone from strength to strength, building on its track record of consistently reaching very high standards,” said the inspectors.

And, the school also scored top marks during a separate inspection on its religious education provision.

“The overall effectiveness of RE was judged to be outstanding,” said inspector Alan Brine.

Chairman of governors Stephen Brown welcomed the reports. “The parents, governors and staff welcome the findings of the latest Ofsted reports.

This confirms our policy of constantly seeking to maintain and indeed improve on our outstanding status in all aspects of provision for the pupils in our school,” he said.

To read the full report, log on to ofsted.gov.uk.