South Walney Infant School was proud of its island and maritime heritage.

So began a report in The Mail in September 2006 as part of its regular 'School of the Week' features.

The school by the sea had a boat as its emblem and headteacher Judith Wray was certainly running a tight, but also very fun, ship.

Laughs could be heard throughout the Amphitrite Street School as children enjoyed their learning.

Mrs Wray, her staff and governors had been praised by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) in March that year.

Inspectors said the effectiveness of leaders and managers setting clear direction leading to improvement and promoting high quality of care and education was outstanding.

Ofsted also described the school as an 'Aladdin's Cave' of exciting displays and activities, enticing children to become eager learners.

The school's colourful artwork jumped off the walls, said The Mail. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with self-portraits of the children and even old photographs of the staff as children

The outdoors was a place where the school's 140 pupils and 30 nursery children were encouraged to learn and have lots of fun. They had a wildlife haven with a pond and plenty of frogs. There was also an allotment, where children grew fruit and vegetables. The willow tunnel had been the setting for school assemblies.

The school welcomed many former pupils back for work experience.

South Walney Infants had good links with South Walney Junior School. The juniors wrote letters to the pupils and some of their stories were even displayed.

Community ties were strong. The Age Concern Building Bridges project was in its fifth tear at the school. Pensioners visited the school and worked with the children.

Mrs Wray said: "They talk to the children about their own childhoods. The pupils really love it."

Extra curricular activities for children at lunch and break times included computer club, football, dance, gardening and baking.

In 1995 pupils from South Walney Junior School took part in a fashion show organised in conjunction with Trends Fashion Boutique, to raise money for school funds.