A Whitehaven primary school is celebrating following a successful Ofsted inspection.

Valley Primary School was rated “good” in a short inspection and was commended for its “purposeful learning” and “good quality” education.

In the report, Ofsted inspector Janette Corlett praises teachers for using “skilful questioning” to make pupils “think more deeply” about their learning.

She praises leaders and governors for ensuring the school provides a “safe and nurturing place” for pupils to learn.

During her visit, the inspector was impressed by pupils’ behaviour and positive attitudes to learning, which she says are a “credit to the school”.

The report says: “Your work to broaden pupils’ experiences and promote their aspirations for the future is particularly successful.

“The teaching of mathematics is a real strength of the school and pupils make strong progress in this subject.

“Your investment in training for teachers and support staff is paying dividends.”

The Ofsted inspector said leaders and governors had taken “immediate and effective action” in 2017 when just over a quarter of pupils reached the nationally expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Year Six.

As a result of this, pupils’ standards were in line with the national average in all three subjects in the 2018 tests, the inspector said.

Mark Noctor, chairman of governors, said: “It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of both staff and children in school which has created such a positive learning environment. It’s worth celebrating.”