A KEIGHLEY primary school has received glowing praise from Government inspectors.

Ofsted has rated Keighley St Andrew's CE Primary as good in a report just published.

The inspection team – which visited the Lustre Street site two months ago – said school leaders had maintained a good quality of education since the previous visit, in March, 2013.

Following the latest evaluation, then-head Mrs Alison Bateman – who left the school at the end of last month to take-up a headship in London – was praised for leading an "exceptionally strong and united" team.

Inspector, Richard Knowles, said the school leadership team was focused and worked hard to ensure pupils were safe and settled and made good progress.

He added that a positive learning culture had been created, which was reflected in the views of children and parents, and there was an "attractive and stimulating" environment.

Because of low starting points, pupil attainment was frequently below national averages, but by the end of key stage 2 last year the school was in the top ten per cent for progress in writing and top 20 per cent for mathematics.

"This reflects the quality of teaching that pupils have received during their time at St Andrew's," said Mr Knowles.

Pupils were fully involved in school life and the older children spoke proudly of their roles as 'workforce leaders', carrying out a range of jobs to help the school community.

Mr Knowles said considerable work had been done to improve the quality of teaching and progress in maths, and year-six pupils he had spoken to demonstrated "very strong" mental arithmetic skills.

The report highlights the vigilance and commitment of all staff to keeping pupils safe and free from harm.

Regular child protection training is carried out for teachers, teaching assistants and governors.

Pupil attendance had been a concern in the past, but thanks to work by senior leaders and administrative staff – in conjunction with the educational welfare officer and families – persistent absence had been reduced.

The children's behaviour was good, and there was a mutual respect between staff and pupils.

Mrs Rachel Whitham, the former deputy head and newly-appointed headteacher, welcomed the findings.

"We are extremely proud that Ofsted has recognised all the hard work and commitment that our staff have put into improving outcomes for our pupils," she said.

"We're especially pleased it has recognised the improvements made in the quality of all teaching.

"It was important to staff and governors that Ofsted arrived before Mrs Bateman's departure so that it could recognise the hard work and good leadership she provided to all.

"She created so many opportunities for our middle and senior leaders to mentor and coach staff and improve teaching and learning across the school, particularly in maths and English.

"Our approach to pupils' personal development and behaviour is rooted in how everyone involved in school life will demonstrate our school values and church school vision.

"Parents are very supportive of this so we are particularly pleased that Ofsted agreed with our parents and pupils that children at the school are well behaved, safe and happy. The inspector found our safeguarding practices to be 'highly effective'."

Mrs Whitham added: "I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing to drive the school forward and further improve outcomes for all our children, both academically and personally."