A 'happy community' school in Clitheroe has retained its ‘good’ Ofsted rating following a recent inspection.

Grindleton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, in Sawley Road, was inspected over two days on May 23 and May 24 and retained the rating it received in June 2017.

The pupils at the school were praised for being welcoming, polite and respectful and meeting the high expectations to work hard.

The report said: “Pupils’ attitudes to learning are highly positive. This can be seen in the work that they produce. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well.

“Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. Pupils know what is expected of them and rise to these high standards. They walk sensibly around the building and settle to their work quickly. Pupils play well together on the playground.

“They share the fitness equipment and join in activities cooperatively. Leaders make sure that any rare incidents of bullying are dealt with effectively.

“Pupils benefit from the wide range of enrichment opportunities on offer. For example, pupils in years five and six enjoy activities such as residential visits and rugby competitions.

“They sing at the local care home, plant trees in the nearby woods and learn to play the ukulele. This helps pupils to develop their talents and interests.”

Staff were praised for creating an ambitious curriculum, including for those with SEND, that brings pupils’ learning to life.

However, for a small number of subjects, the curriculum is not delivered as effectively as others so pupils knowledge “is uneven” as a result.

The inspectors also noted that the school does not promote diversity effectively enough. While pupils know the importance of the fundamental British values, some pupils don’t understand and appreciate differences between people in the community.

Leaders prioritise reading and the staff promote a love of reading across the school with older pupils talking passionately about being part of a local reading club.

 The report added: “Leaders, governors, and staff form a united team. Governors and leaders know what is going well. They work effectively to continually improve the quality of education for pupils.

“Staff reported that governors and leaders consider their workload and well-being when making decisions about the school.”

Since the previous inspection, the headteacher has left the school and a second acting headteacher is currently in position. The governing body has appointed a substantive headteacher, who will assume post in September 2023.