THE BALLOON went up for children of Riddlesden St Mary’s Primary School after its successful Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors gave the school a ‘Good’ rating, so pupils celebrated by releasing dozens of balloons.

School head Linda Wright said: "We are delighted with Ofsted’s findings as they recognised the amount of work which everyone has put in to bring about this positive outcome.

"We are particularly pleased they recognised the robust systems which we put in place to support improvement are proving efficient and that our Governors are well informed and pro-active.”

“We are now on the road to continue to improve the work we have already done and move to outstanding.”

Riddlesden St Mary’s was judged to need improvement when it was previously inspected in March 2014.

This time the Ofsted team said: “The school is a calm and orderly place. Children have an acute sense of what is right and wrong and that friendship and trust are key values within their community.”

"The headteacher has high expectations of pupils and staff. As a result, pupils’ outcomes and the quality of teaching have improved over time and are now good.”

Ofsted inspectors also said St Mary’s pupils were safe and happy because of the secure procedures that existing in the early years provision.

Other comments in the report include:

• Leaders are passionate about the school’s values and promote them exceptionally well. As a result, pupils develop a clear understanding of democracy, law, freedom, liberty, tolerance and respect.

• Governors have sought good training opportunities to ensure they have the necessary skills to fulfil their statutory responsibilities.

• The school is promoting reading well.

• Staff believe behaviour is good in school. Parents agree and believe that their children enjoy school.

Ofsted inspectors said that in order to improve further, the school should check pupils’ learning thoroughly, apply mathematical skills across a wide range of subjects, and encourage better understanding in history and geography.

Dish school should ensure the attendance of disadvantaged pupils improves to at least and average level.