A WALNEY primary has been praised for creating an environment where pupils can "flourish".

Ofsted has judged South Walney Junior School to be "good". The inspection took place in June, but the report has just been published in this new academic year.

The education watchdog said headteacher Zena Lines, who was appointed two years ago, has formed a new senior leadership team which has "maintained the good quality of education" since the previous inspection in 2012. Ofsted said Ms Lines "led several changes well and maintained high morale throughout."

The report says staff and governors are "rightly proud of their school and ambitious for their pupils" and saw that the positive views are shared by parents and grandparents. Ofsted said: "They said that you hold the well-being of each pupil in high regard and have created an environment where pupils can flourish."

At the previous inspection five years ago the school was asked to improve the quality of teaching to raise achievement in maths. The latest report says: "You have done this by creating more opportunities for real-life problem-solving across a range of subjects."

There was high praise for the pupils; the inspector said: "From the start of the school day, it was apparent to me just how polite and courteous your pupils are towards each other and the adults around them."

Ofsted said pupils feel very safe and cared for. They feel very confident that adults will help them if needed.

The student council and head and deputy head girls and boys also demonstrated how they take their responsibilities very seriously and have a desire to represent the views of their peers.

Ofsted saw a vibrant curriculum and environment that "inspires academic and personal growth" and extra-curricular provision is "strong".

The rehearsals for the Joseph production demonstrated how "staff give freely of their time to enrich and enhance the curriculum."

Ms Lines said: "As headteacher, I am absolutely thrilled that Naomi (Taylor, Ofsted inspector) praised all the good work both staff and pupils do to make this a good school which continually strives for improvement in all areas.

"She described pupils’ behaviour as being 'excellent' and our school as being a 'vibrant learning environment which inspires academic and personal growth'. Our hard work in putting strategies in place to ensure reading, writing and maths outcomes are continually good and the wealth of diverse learning opportunities we have in place for all children were also recognised as key strengths."

Ms Lines said staff morale is very high and she is delighted that the inspector recognised that all the hard work of the staff and the fact that the additional time they give freely does not go unnoticed nor is without impact on the educational and pastoral development of the pupils.

The headteacher said the school truly believes in a positive partnership between home and school to ensure the very best outcomes for the children.