A KEIGHLEY primary school which four years ago was told by Government inspectors it required improvement has now been rated 'good' – and outstanding in some areas.

St Anne's Catholic Primary is a "happy, caring and inclusive community", says Ofsted, which has just published the results of its latest inspection, carried out on November 30 and December 1.

Pupils' behaviour and attitudes were judged to be outstanding.

The children were described as "polite and courteous" and treated each other with "the utmost respect".

"Leaders and staff set high standards of how they want pupils to learn and behave," the inspection team reports.

It added: "Leaders have ensured that their Catholic values thread through every aspect of school life.

"A strong community atmosphere is underpinned by the virtues that pupils learn about, including respect, generosity and kindness. Pupils live out these virtues in their day-to-day lives."

Parents spoken to by the inspectors were "overwhelmingly positive" about the school, which is part of the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust.

There was also praise from Ofsted for the school's curriculum.

The report says: "Leaders have implemented a well-planned, ambitious and engaging curriculum.

"Children in the early years get off to a flying start. An environment is provided that helps them develop skills such as listening and taking turns. Because of this, children are successfully prepared for future learning.

"Leaders have continued to make reading a top priority. The school’s reading curriculum has a positive influence on the excellent quality of pupils’ writing, from the nursery through to Year 6."

Inspectors added that "robust" procedures were in place to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and as a result the children made strong progress.

St Anne's executive head John Devlin and head of school Paul Booth said they were "delighted" with the report.

In a joint statement, they added: "We're thankful of all the support we've received from our parents, school community and parish over the past few years.

"We are so proud of all the children and staff at St Anne's. They always work extremely hard.

"We'll continue to build on the progress the school has made."

Andrew Morley, chief executive of the Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust, said: "This is a wonderful report. Everyone in the trust and school community is delighted that the children have been recognised for their outstanding behaviour. Well done to everybody."