A PRIMARY school in Otley has retained its Good rating following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Pool-in-Wharfedale Church of England Primary School was praised by inspectors for its “exceptional” approach to children’s welfare.

The report from Ofsted said: “Pupils’ personal development and welfare are outstanding.

“The staff’s work around the mental health and well-being for pupils and staff is exceptional.

“Leaders have successfully steered the school through a period of instability.

“As a result, effective action is being taken to halt a period of decline in the quality of teaching and pupils’ outcomes.

“Leaders use knowledge and research to make improvements to the curriculum and to

teaching. This is having a good impact on pupils’ progress.

“The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to develop knowledge and skills in subjects other than English and maths.

“Governors are a school strength. They challenge senior and middle leaders.

“Children in the early years make a good start to their school life. Over time, the proportion of children achieving a good level of development, by the time they leave Reception, has been consistently above the national average.

“Behaviour in the school is good. Pupils get on well together in the playground, move around school calmly and are very polite.

“Attendance is good and very few pupils regularly miss school.

“Pupils say that they feel safe and happy in school. Parents and carers overwhelmingly agreed.

“Teachers have good subject knowledge. This is particularly the case in maths, where teachers plan well to meet pupils’ learning needs.”

To become Outstanding, the school was told to use assessment information better so staff can be held to account, and make sure all staff understand what the highest quality outcomes for pupils are.

It was also told to use test results better to challenge pupils more in lessons so they can develop better.