CELEBRATIONS have taken place as St Bega's School in Eskdale receives its latest Ofsted report.

The education watchdog carried out a short inspection at the school last month, and judged it to be good, the same as its previous inspection five years ago.

Headteacher Liz Stellmacher said: "We would like to share and celebrate with the wider community our success at being judged as good by Ofsted in our recent inspection.

"Solid foundations had been put in place by the previous headteacher, dedicated staff team, committed governors and uplifting, enthusiastic pupils."

She said the inspector gave the school some "lovely feedback".

The inspector said "pupils enjoy a most welcoming and nurturing environment in which to learn" and "in lessons, around school and outside, pupils’ behaviour is exemplary".

The report said: "Examples of writing from Key Stage 2 homework tasks, for example when researching famous scientists, are particularly impressive and indicate why parents believe strongly that their children receive a good education."

It added: "Older pupils explained how they have been supported by staff to become better learners and how they help each other, both socially and academically. They value the fact that everyone gets along very well and that pupils go out of their way to involve everybody. They also value how staff work well together to help pupils succeed."

The report said Mrs Stellmacher and the new staff team "are looking forward to continuing to embrace their amazing surroundings to enhance learning and facilitate the care and nurture the pupils".

The need for improvements in assessment was also highlighted in the last inspection. This aspect "is now stronger", this inspection stated, but it could be "further refined".

Improvements needed in pupils’ writing was also highlighted in the 2011 inspections, which the school has addressed.

The latest report suggested school improvement planning is focused more specifically on key priorities and that progress towards intended targets can be more easily monitored.

St Bega's has also been judged as good in a recent Diocese of Carlisle inspection,which stated: "The school’s Christian character is expressed in its inclusivity and secure, nurturing relationships. As a result, children show great care for one another. They respect and value difference."