A CUMBRIAN school has welcomed the reports of a recent Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors carried out a remote monitoring inspection of St Michael's CofE Primary School in Dalston, Carlisle on March 4.

The report was commissioned to find out how the school was providing education during the coronavirus lockdown. It found that "leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances. "

Headteacher Julie Paisley was delighted with the results after what has been a difficult period for the education sector.

She said: "We're very pleased. It was a very different type of inspection, it was looking at how we provided education during lockdown, but we're really pleased, it's very positive.

"It hasn't been an easy time, we've come a long way and learnt lots of new skills and how to educate the children remotely.

"We're really pleased with the feedback from parents.

"It hasn't been easy for anyone, but the staff have really pulled together. We felt that we have supported the children, and each other as well.

"We've all become much better skilled with IT since last year!"

The report also identified a number of improvements made at the school, which is currently rated as "requires improvement" by the education watchdog.

It read: "Over recent months, leaders have embedded improvements in the mathematics curriculum. Mathematics plans now build on children’s learning from the Reception Year.

"Leaders have also refined the curriculum in the early years. Children now have more opportunities to develop their language and communication skills. Consequently, children are better prepared for the Year One curriculum.

"Many subject leaders are new to their roles. COVID-19 restrictions have slowed your plans to develop their expertise in leading their subjects.

"Leaders have prioritised redesigning the curriculum in science and the foundation subjects.

"Each subject now has ‘big ideas’ that underpin what leaders want pupils to know.

"Subject leaders have planned the knowledge that pupils will learn, and when they will learn it. This work is further along in subjects such as science than in others."

Also coming in for praise was the school's focus on reading, with the report praising the way reading has remained a priority throughout the third national lockdown.

In addition, teachers were praised for continuing to read to pupils regularly.

In addition, the school's commitment to SEND children was highlighted - the report said that the school's "carefully laid out plans" meant the needs of SEND pupils continued to be met.