A PRIMARY school is within reach of being classed as "outstanding" according Ofsted inspectors.

Saltaire Primary School was given a good rating at the last inspection in 2013, and earlier this year Ofsted returned for a short inspection.

The recently released report praises executive Headteacher Sally Stoker and the school’s senior leaders for creating a culture in which staff and pupils excel.

A letter to Mrs Stoker says: "I am of the opinion that the school has demonstrated strong practice and marked improvement in certain areas. This may indicate that the school is improving towards being outstanding."

Ofsted found that in almost all year groups and subjects pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are making good progress.

The report says the school provides pupils with a high level of challenge in their learning which has resulted in higher standards of work across the curriculum.

Inspectors praise the school for considering pupils’ well-being very carefully and it found the school’s safeguarding to be effective.

Ofsted also praises pupils for understanding the importance of their education and the need to develop a good vocabulary and speak articulately.

The report says that staff feel very well supported and are keenly involved in their own professional development. It adds: “They take shared responsibility for improving pupils’ outcomes and enabling every child to succeed.”

Mrs Stoker said: “We are delighted with the findings of this report which are down to the commitment of everyone at our school, children, staff, parents and carers, governors and the community that we serve.

“We are committed to ensuring every child receives the best possible education and we are so pleased that Ofsted recognise the support and challenge that we provide to all of our children to ensure they fulfil their potential.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Education, Employment and Skills said: “This is an excellent report. Ofsted found the school provides a good education and could be moving towards an outstanding rating.

“The report describes a school where both pupils and staff feel well supported and my congratulations go to everyone involved at Saltaire Primary School.”