A "happy, calm and caring" primary school in Foulridge has been told to improve by Ofsted inspectors.

Foulridge Saint Michael and All Angels Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School was rated ‘requires improvement’ after inspectors visited on May 24 and 25.

The rating has dropped from ‘good’ following an inspection in 2018.

Headteacher Sara Richardson said: “While we note the conclusions of our latest inspection, we are pleased that the inspectors have recognised a number of areas of good practice; for instance, the children’s behaviour and attitudes, personal development and early years provision are all rated as good.

“We recognise however that we need to take on board the inspectors’ observations in relation to the leadership and management of the school. My colleagues and I have already started to identify ways in which we can manage and lead the school more effectively.

“For example, I’m confident that with the new teachers who are joining us in September, we will have a staff team in the school who are committed to providing the best education for the children of St. Michael and All Angels”.

Inspectors noted that pupils are happy, make new friends quickly, and make good use of the school facilities.

They added that pupils are well-behaved and work hard in school, with leaders ambitious for them to do well, including those with SEND.

The inspectors said: “Leaders have considered how children in the early years should build their knowledge to prepare them for year one.

“However, in some other subjects, including history, improvements are at an earlier stage.

“Leaders are not as clear about the most important aspects of the curriculum that pupils need to learn in these subjects.

“Added to this, leaders have not considered fully the steps that pupils should make in their learning as they move through the school.”

The inspectors added that most staff get the training and support they require but that some subject leaders “do not have the knowledge and expertise to support teachers to deliver curriculums well”.

Children enjoy reading, with staff placing it at the heart of the curriculum, with pupils valuing their trips to the school library.

Despite this and the early introduction of phonics, inspectors said that a small number of younger pupils struggle to read with success, but that leaders ensure that these pupils receive a range of extra support to help.

Inspectors said that most parents and carers have a very positive view of the school, recognising the changes that leaders are putting in place.

Safeguarding is effective and governors know and work with the school well.