A Maryport school is celebrating its latest Ofsted report.

Ellenborough and Ewanrigg Infant School has retained its “good” grading after an inspection earlier this month.

Deputy head Mark Hazzard said: “We are absolutely delighted to have retained our good grading. It is a tribute to our hard-working staff and governors, to the support of our community and, of course, to the work of our children.”

This has been achieved despite a decrease in the number of staff. Existing staff told inspectors, though, that the leaders are mindful of their workload and have introduced systems to help.

The report noted that, from as young as the age of two, children settle quickly into this small school.

Parents told inspectors that the care and the passion that staff have for the children is amazing, while pupils said they felt safe and enjoyed coming to school.

Pupils achieve above the national average at the end of the Year 1. Pupils also learn how to read well, with reading seen as a priority.

Leaders have also provided staff training in a new approach to teaching mathematics.

By the time they leave school, most pupils reach the expected standard in mathematics

Learning about numbers and shapes is also a priority. Staff create stimulating spaces for pupils to explore, play and learn. Most pupils reach a good level of development by time they leave Reception class.

The report pointed out areas needing to be addressed to raise the school to outstanding.

The inspectors found the curriculum is not yet sufficiently coherent and sequenced in some subjects, such as geography.

The report added: “However, senior leaders have acted to address this. They should ensure that the recent changes to the way subjects are taught are firmly embedded.

“Subject leaders need to attend the planned subject-specialism training events. They need to continue developing the confidence and skills of class teachers in all subjects.

“Leaders need to ensure that all subjects are taught to the same high standard as English and mathematics. This will ensure that pupils learn as well in all subjects as they do in reading and mathematics.”

It added: “Governors have a thorough understanding of the progress that pupils make in English and maths but are not as confident about how they are doing in the rest of the curriculum. Governors need this knowledge.”