A primary school has been rated outstanding in its first inspection since becoming an academy.

Laneshaw Bridge Primary School, in Emmott Lane, Laneshaw Bridge, was taken over by The Pennine Trust in 2018, and this was the first Ofsted visit since then.

Before the takeover, it was last visited in January 2008 and rated outstanding then, meaning it has been 15 years between visits by Ofsted, with only an interim assessment taking place in 2011 in the meantime.

In the latest report, which graded the school outstanding in all areas, it was praised for its curriculum and how much pupils enjoy being there.

Inspectors said: “The curriculum is highly ambitious and enables all pupils to be extremely successful.

“Children in Reception benefit from an aspirational, meticulously designed curriculum. The early years staff are highly skilled in teaching the curriculum and in meeting the individual needs of children.

“Children in the early years are exceptionally well prepared for the demands of Year 1.”

The school’s leadership, led by headteacher Gaynor Canty, were dubbed “experts in their field” at all levels, which enables teachers to improve and deliver the curriculum “with considerable skill”.

Care for children with special educational needs or disabilities was highlighted as a particular strength.

Teachers “design high-quality activities that connect new learning with what pupils already know and can do”, meaning they gain “a rich body of knowledge” over time.

Reading is “at the heart” of the curriculum and pupils have access to broad range of texts, with phonics taught “with confidence and consistency”.

Pupil behaviour and attitude was also highly praised.

The report said: “Children in the early years are exceptionally well behaved. They follow well established routines.

“Pupils across the school have a strong moral conviction to treat others in the same way that they would like to be treated themselves.

“Pupils embody the school values of ambition, respect and collaboration at this exceptional school.

“Pupils strive to meet the school’s high expectations for behaviour. This begins from the moment children join the Reception Year.

“Pupils who need extra help to manage their emotions are ably supported by nurturing staff. Older pupils act as superb role models for their younger peers.

“Pupils behave impeccably, and their learning is rarely interrupted.”

In a tweet, the school said: "We are thrilled to finally share we have been graded outstanding in all areas by Ofsted during our latest inspection in November.

"We're proud that inspectors recognised the hard-work of pupils and staff."