A PRIMARY school has been praised by Ofsted.

Dean Barwick Primary School at Witherslack, which was inspected in March, has retained its 'good' rating.

In a report published this week, inspectors said that pupils 'really enjoy coming to Dean Barwick Primary' and said there is a 'real sense of family and community in this small rural school'.

They added: "Pupils know each other very well. They said that all staff look after them and treat them fairly.

"Leaders have high expectations for the achievement of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. Pupils live up to these high expectations and achieve well.

"Through the curriculum, leaders promote a sense of adventure, spirituality and community."

Inspectors also praised the pupils' behaviour, adding that they "enjoy the many challenges and experiences that the school has to offer."

The report said: "They learn about the environment through interesting projects. Recently, they planted trees and developed boardwalks and habitats through their conservation projects.

"Some have taken part in a 10-mile walk to raise funds for a national charity. Pupils learn about responsibility by caring for the school chickens and guinea pigs."

To improve, Ofstead said that leaders should check that the implementation of the new two-year programme is having a positive impact on what pupils know and remember, and that they should check that all staff are implementing the phonics and reading programme as intended, to enhance pupils’ fluency and accuracy in reading.

The school's headteacher Paul Macfarlane said: "I am very pleased that our Ofsted report recognises the strengths and ethos of our wonderful school community. 

"Our learning outside the classroom approach and rich curriculum was praised by the inspectors and they were very impressed by how pupils treat each other, contribute to school life and take care of our all of our animals.

"We are fortunate to have such committed staff, engaged governors and supportive parents.  The inspection report reflects how absolutely everyone in our school community works together to make Dean Barwick Primary School so exceptional."

Chair of governors Pauline Mort said: "The results of the inspection reflect the hard work and dedication of our staff team and governing body. 

"Inspectors recognised the positive learning atmosphere which runs throughout the school and highlighted the excellent behaviour of pupils.  It is great to see the efforts of the whole community reflected in our judgement as a Good school."