A PENRITH school has been praised for the progress and improvements made in the last five years.

North Lakes School, in Huntley Avenue, remains a 'good school' according to Her Majesty's Inspector Elizabeth Stevens.

She visited the school earlier this month on behalf of the education regulator Ofsted.

Staff and governors of the junior school are 'very pleased' about her findings following her recent visit and are reported to be 'delighted' that she has recognised the efforts they make to ensure North Lakes School is inclusive for all children.

North Lakes School's last full inspection took place back in December 2013.

Mrs Stevens, in a letter to headteacher Mike Pincombe, said: "The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.

"You lead a happy, welcoming and very inclusive school where you teach pupils to be reflective and resilient learners.

"As a result of the determined leadership of you and your deputy headteacher, staff provide a nurturing environment which develops pupils’ confidence."

She also noted that standards had risen in reading, writing and maths with the quality of teaching being strengthened and that Mr Pincombe and leaders have taken a 'reflective and analytical' approach to developing the school since its last inspection.

Governors also provide 'just the right balance of support and challenge' to school leaders, the inspector found. They 'keep a close eye on pupils' progress', including those children who have special educational needs or disabilities.

The school also provides 'a nurturing environment' which allows children who need additional support to thrive, said Mrs Stevens, adding that the children are 'happy and well cared for by the enthusiastic and skilled staff'.

"Inclusion for every pupil lies at the heart of the school's ethos," wrote Mrs Stevens.

Headteacher Mike Pincombe said: "I would like to thank every one of our school staff team for their hard work and support over recent years.

"Congratulations are due to our pupils who have made strong progress, and we are very grateful for the support of our parents and carers.

"Thank you to the governing body which has provided challenge and has been fully involved in our success." He added: "Ofsted have recognised many strengths our welcoming, inclusive and successful learning community. We look forward now to developing our curriculum further and building on this positive report together."