A WHITEHAVEN infant school where pupils are ‘happy’ and ‘achieve well’ has been given a glowing Ofsted report.  

St Gregory and St Patrick’s Catholic Infant School has retained its ‘good’ rating following an inspection by the education watchdog in March.  

The report praises the school’s ‘high expectations for pupils’ achievement’ and its ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum.

Inspectors wrote: “Pupils are happy at this school. They behave well and live out the school values of kindness, friendship and respect.

“They are friendly towards each other and make sure that everyone is included.

“They appreciate the warm relationships that they have with staff, knowing that adults will help them if they have any worries.

“Teachers have the knowledge and expertise that they need to deliver the curriculum well. They have designed an indoor and outdoor environment that supports the aims of the curriculum."

Whitehaven News: St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School in Whitehaven has been rated as 'good' by Ofsted

Inspectors also noted that the school has prioritised reading from the beginning of the early years and has ‘successfully fostered a love of reading among pupils’.

The report says: “Pupils listen attentively to stories read by teachers and enjoy visiting the local library.

“The school has established a successful phonics programme. Staff are experts at delivering it consistently well.”

Inspectors also found that the school had prioritised attendance and had ‘worked tirelessly’ to address the weaknesses identified in the previous inspection.

The school is ‘well led’ and ‘managed’ and staff ‘appreciate the steps that the school has taken to reduce their workload so that they can fulfil their roles effectively’, the report goes on to say.

Headteacher Kirsty Rowell said: “St Gregory and St Patrick’s is a very special place and I am always immensely proud of the great things we achieve here.

“The report reflects the countless strengths of our community and the huge amount of work put in daily by the entire school team.

“My continual thanks go to the staff, parents, governors and children of our school family for their tireless work and support throughout the year.”