STAFF, pupils and governors at a Furness school are celebrating their latest Ofsted report.

Following a two-day inspection in June, Askam Village School, which has 174 pupils, has been rated as ‘good’- the education watchdog’s second highest category.

Inspectors observed lessons, talked to pupils, looked at books and data, and questioned staff and governors.

The school has been judged as ‘good’ in all five categories, with Ofsted commenting, “The care and devotion to the pupils that adults show, makes school a place where pupils really want to be.”

Inspectors praised the effectiveness of leadership and management, noting the good progress that has been made since the previous inspection.

The report states: “Leaders are successfully focused on improving the outcomes for pupils so that they are well equipped to move on to the next stage of their education.”

The quality of teaching, learning and assessment also drew praise from the inspection team, with Ofsted noting that teachers planned their lessons well, and pupils showed good attitudes to their learning.

Personal development, behaviour and welfare received the same positive judgement, with inspectors concluding “there is a very evident impression that, where the welfare and progress of pupils in the school are concerned, nothing is too much trouble for the adults”.

The behaviour of pupils was also judged to be good. The school received the same ‘good’ grade for the category of ‘outcomes for pupils’.

The inspectors stated: “Current pupils, including the most able and the few from disadvantaged backgrounds, are making good and improving progress overall in English and Mathematics.”

Early years’ provision was also judged to be ‘good’ overall, with the teaching environment described as “bright, well organised and purposeful”.

Other strengths of the school included the provision of sport and music, and the work undertaken to deter bullying - including racist and homophobic attitudes.

The report found that incidents were rare but dealt with well. It noted, “One pupil was so surprised by an inspector’s question about racist attitudes that he suggested he went to look at the display of work about Martin Luther King to see what they had learned.”

The school’s actions are to develop its website to comply with statutory requirements, evaluate the impact of actions taken and further raise pupils’ achievement across the school.

Headteacher Fiona Newton said, “We are delighted with the outcome of this inspection, and the formal recognition of all the excellent work that goes on at this school. We look forward to building upon our successes during the next academic year.

"I would like to thank the staff, governors, parents and of course the children for working so hard and supporting the school.”