A SOUTH Lakes primary school has been praised after a recent Ofsted inspection handed it a 'Good' rating.

Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School, on Hawesmead Avenue, Kendal was given the grading after a visit by the Ofsted lead inspector David Lobodzinski on June 5 and 6.

The school, which is part of the Mater Christi Multi-Academy Trust, currently has 170 pupils on its roll between the ages of three and 11. 

The report noted that pupils enjoy attending this 'friendly and inviting school'.

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It stated: "They told the inspector that everybody is welcomed and made to feel equal at their school. Pupils look forward to seeing their friends each day, which helps them to feel happy. They appreciate the support that they receive from their teachers."

The inspectors also praised the school's high expectations for pupils for their 'well' behaviour and caring towards each other and the staff members. 

It added that the school aims to provide pupils with a broad range of experiences, including enjoying clubs as well as doing trips to museums theatres, castles and cities further afield which 'enrich their learning'.

While the report noted that the curriculum has been 'strengthened during recent years' it also identified areas in which the school could improve.

It said: "In a few subjects, some staff do not implement learning activities consistently well. This means that some pupils do not learn as much as they could. The school should support staff to deliver these subject curriculums more effectively so that pupils learn the intended curriculum well.

"In a small number of subjects, where curriculums have recently been refined, the school is still determining its strategies to check what pupils already know. This means that some pupils’ gaps in prior learning are not addressed before teachers introduce new curriculum content. The school should fully embed curriculum improvements and ensure that teachers use assessment strategies well to identify and remedy gaps in pupils’ prior knowledge."

Jacky Kennedy, Trust CEO of The Mater Christi, said they were 'very pleased' with the outcome of the inspection.

Jacky said: "The Mater Christi Trust Directors and central team recognise what a wonderful school Dean Gibson is. We know that the staff have built an amazing team spirit under the leadership of Clare Ritchie, the acting head.

"Ofsted recognised that Dean Gibson is a happy and vibrant community. We are very pleased to have Dean Gibson in our Trust and look forward to supporting the school with their next goals."