A FURNESS school with an "inclusive culture" and "family feel" has been praised by Inspectors.

Ofsted has judged that Ireleth St Peter's CE Primary School continues to be "good".

Inspectors said: "The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. You have created an inclusive culture which has helped to strengthen the school’s ‘family feel’ and its importance to the local community."

The latest inspection report says the village primary’s "caring ethos" is complemented by "high expectations".

One pupil told inspectors that "Our values are based on respecting others".

Ofsted said staff share headteacher Rachel McFarlane's "unswerving commitment to ensuring that pupils fulfil their potential while at Ireleth St Peter’s".

The report says that Mrs McFarlane has "reinvigorated the school community and driven improvements in many areas. Importantly, you have reversed the school’s falling roll." The school has also started offering part-time nursery provision for three-year-olds.

The inspectors noted that "parents, staff and pupils are overwhelmingly positive about the work of the school."

One parent summed up the views of many when they told the inspector, "I would, and regularly do, highly recommend this lovely school to other parents."

Ofsted said the school has "built on its strengths" and has "continued to improve"since the previous inspection. The report says school leaders have taken effective action to address the areas that were identified as needing improvement at the time of the last inspection.

Safeguarding was highlighted as a strength of the school.

Ofsted noted that the school uses the "flexibility" provided by mixed-age classes to "good effect," with the most able pupils are regularly taught alongside older pupils.

Staff were praised for "knowing pupils exceptionally well" and they ensure that pupils complete work that is matched accurately to their different starting points.

Ofsted said the vast majority of pupils make good progress from their relative starting points.

The report highlights the extensive range of extra-curricular clubs, the excellent standards in behaviour and pupils who are calm and considerate.

Mrs McFarlane said: "We are delighted to have secured a very strong judgment of 'good'. This is especially rewarding given the increasing demands and ever-changing standards of Ofsted gradings.

"As headteacher, I am exceptionally proud of my school and the values that we uphold.

"It is pleasing to read the report which clearly recognises the hard work and commitment from everyone at Ireleth St Peter's, leading to exciting changes and improvements being made including: rapidly rising pupil numbers; nursery provision for three-year-olds and securing a grant from Big Lottery for playground improvements.

"I'd like to personally thank everyone involved in the recent success of ISP including my wonderful staff and governors, supportive parents and most of all, our fantastic children who make ISP what it really is - a happy family working together as an inspiring, successful partnership. With such a successful first year, coupled with an inspection to validate this, I am truly excited about what the future holds for ISP."