A primary school which was last rated as ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted has been commended for prioritising reading and providing a safe, friendly and welcoming place to be.

Great Harwood St Bartholomew's C.E. Primary School was rated ‘requires improvement’ in 2019, but following a recent inspection in September, Ofsted awarded the school with a ‘good’ rating in all areas.

A report published this week stated that the school had been through a period of instability but was now settled and praised school leaders for developing well-mannered, well-behaved children who are respectful of one another.

It read: “The school has made considerable improvements to the curriculum since the previous inspection.

"It has developed an ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum in most subjects across key stages 1 and 2.

“Most pupils, including children in early years and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. This is because the school has high expectations of their learning.

"Pupils try their best to live up to these expectations. The school supports pupils to achieve their personal best.

“Pupils value the range of opportunities on offer beyond the academic curriculum. They spoke excitedly about activities such as visits to a football stadium, outdoor learning and trips to museums, caverns and places of worship.”

The report noted that in a small number of subjects and areas of learning, the school was still finalising its work to ensure that teachers are clear about what they want pupils to learn, meaning that, on occasion, teachers found it difficult to design learning that helps pupils to gain important knowledge.

It went on: “Teachers typically deliver the curriculum well. However, some pupils do not have enough opportunity to recap and deepen their learning.”

Despite this, inspectors stated that the school prioritises reading and pupils enjoyed reading a wide range of books and also enjoyed listening to adults read carefully chosen books to them at story times.

Sarah Irvine, headteacher at Great Harwood St Bartholomew's C.E. Primary School, said: “I am delighted that our recent Ofsted inspection grading outcome confirmed that we are a ‘good’ school in all areas.

“The outcome of the inspection is a huge achievement for the whole school community and a clear recognition that the hard work continues to impact positively on the lives of all St Bart’s children.

“I am delighted that the rigorous inspection process recognised how incredibly hard our staff work and the efforts that they make to improve the teaching and learning within school.

“I am thrilled that the efforts of the children, which we see in school every day, were recognised several times in the report and this is a real credit to them. 

“The Ofsted inspection was thorough, robust and professionally rigorous and the report itself highlights the many elements of the effective provision at St Bartholomew’s.

“I am particularly pleased that the report recognises the journey of improvements made over the past four years and I would like to thank all the parents and carers who have supported us during this time.

“Personally, I would like to thank all those involved in the inspection itself, especially the staff, governors, and especially the children, who shone during the inspection process and continue to make a positive contribution to school life each day.

“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone in our school community and is something to be hugely proud of.”