A PRIMARY school near Milnthorpe has maintained its rating of Good after a recent Ofsted assessment.

Beetham Church of England Primary School was awarded the grade following a visit by Ofsted inspectors on October 5, who described the school as 'small and welcoming'.

The report praised the school's ethos of introducing community engagement to its pupils:

"Leaders provide pupils with opportunities to be responsible members of the school and wider community. 

"For example, the school council recently worked with volunteers in the church community to collect food for a local food bank. 

"They also organise stalls for the winter fair and have revived the school tuck shop. 

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"Some pupils are members of a pupil parliament where they meet Members of Parliament and debate topical issues. This helps pupils to be confident and to contribute positively to society."

Inspectors also noted the importance that the school places on reading:

"Leaders have prioritised reading in the curriculum. They have created new library areas for pupils to enjoy. 

"Leaders have also carefully selected new books to ensure that there is a diverse range of texts available for children and pupils to read. #

"Pupils enjoy reading and do so widely in and out of school. Leaders have successfully introduced a new phonics curriculum. 

"They have provided training for staff to deliver this curriculum well. The phonics curriculum is taught from the beginning of the Reception Year. 

"Leaders ensure that the books pupils read match the sounds they are learning in class. 

"Those children and pupils who need help to catch up with the curriculum are supported effectively. This means that most pupils become confident and fluent readers."

Education about different cultures is also something that was picked up on by inspectors, who noted:

"Leaders ensure that pupils have many opportunities to develop their knowledge beyond the academic curriculum. 

"For example, leaders have established a link with a school in Senegal. 

"Pupils learn about the country, the faith and culture as well as raising vital funds to help maintain the school building there. 

"Pupils exchange postcards with those pupils. This helps pupils to broaden their understanding of the world and their place in it."