THE West Cumbria Learning Centre, also known as the pupil referral unit, has been rated 'Good' in its latest Ofsted inspection - with the headteacher saying the school was 'thrilled' with the latest grade.

The Distington school was inspected on December 8 and 9, with the results being published earlier this week. The report means the school retains the 'good' grade it gained in 2015.

Inspectors recognised that leaders and governors within the school community have a good oversight over the school, meaning effective action can be taken to provide suitable provision within the centre.

The report said: "Leaders and governors have an accurate view of the school’s strengths and weaknesses.

"Consequently, they have an increasingly secure oversight of this school, which comprises a pupil referral unit, a hospital and home tuition service, an alternative vocational educational provision and a specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND.

"Leaders are taking some effective action to improve the different aspects of the school's provision."

The school was also commended for the support it gives to pupils, many of whom have been excluded from mainstream schools.

The report said: "Staff successfully support pupils to improve their behaviour and attitudes to learning.

"The majority of pupils successfully return to their mainstream school or move on to further education, employment or training."

However, the inspection was an 'initial inspection', as opposed to a full inspection, and the report said: "There has been no change to this school’s overall judgement of Good as a result of this initial (section 8) inspection. However, the evidence gathered suggests that the inspection grade might not be as high if a full inspection were carried out now.

"The next inspection will therefore be a full (section 5) inspection."

The watchdog did see some key improvements that needed to made.

Inspectors found that some of the pupils at the school do not achieve 'as well as they should' or on a level academically with their peers in mainstream education.

Headteacher Daniel Gee said: "Following the recent inspection we were thrilled that Ofsted did not find reason to change the judgement meaning the school retains its Good judgement.

"Much has changed at West Cumbria Learning Centre since the last inspection – including the opening of the alternate provision site in Whitehaven and the social emotional mental health provision.

"We work closely with other agencies and with mainstream schools to support some highly complex students who would not enjoy the levels of success they achieve if they did not have the support of such passionate and committed staff here.

"That the report recognised that 'staff help most pupils to enjoy learning once again'. 'most pupils are happy', and 'they appreciate the support that staff provide' was particularly positive given it is the strong relations between staff and students which enable us to succeed.

"The Inspection clarifies much of our own self-assessment and gives us a clear direction in which to work going forward.

"I have every confidence in the team we have here to deliver the best for the students we have, and that this effort will translate into a Good judgement when we are next fully inspected under Section 5."