Forget the introduction of the Bank of England's new plastic-coated banknotes - a new form of currency has the children talking at one primary school near Carlisle.

"Cummersdale cash" is the a new reward system enthusing pupils at the village primary school that lies near the western edge of the city.

It is just one of the new initiatives and improvements at Cummersdale School to impress Her Majesty's Inspector Amanda Stringer.

Following her short inspection recently, Ms Stringer has judged that the small school continues to provide a good quality of education to children.

In her report, she wrote: "Pupils enjoy coming to school and speak enthusiastically about the new reward system to earn 'Cummersdale cash' instead of house points.

"One pupil commented that he is saving up so that he can take all his friends to the play park. Children are confident and happy."

The inspector also told headteacher Gareth Jones that he and his staff are "committed to ensuring that the pupils receive a high standard of education".

Mr Jones and his team have also been praised for "rigorously" tackling areas of improvement identified four years ago when the 81-pupil school was last inspected.

It was noted by the inspector that a recent visit from author David Almond had "inspired very high-quality writing" among pupils.

A residential trip to Liverpool has also been a success, the inspector found.

Cummersdale School has also cut the high rate of absence among a small number of pupils, with parents reminded of the impact time off can have on a child's progress.

The quality of teaching has also improved across the school, the inspector recorded.

Leaders of Cummersdale School must now continue to build on the improvements they have been making to the teaching of phonics so that more pupils gain the vital skills to become successful readers.

Mr Jones, headteacher, said: "I am delighted with the report and although there's not one particular aspect that can be highlighted, I feel it summarises the children we have at school well, stating that they are hard working, well behaved and polite yet have a sense of fun.

"It also praises the staff team who work hard to enable our children to have such meaningful learning opportunities.

"We always strive to provide the children with what is our school motto - ' magical moments and pockets full of memories'."