A YORKSHIRE Dales school impressed Ofsted and came away with a good rating after an inspection in June.

Kirkby Malham Primary School, at Chapel Gate, Kirkby Malham, has started the academic year with endorsement from Ofsted inspectors who recognised the school’s effective safeguarding, excellent behaviour, strong learning, happy children and positive outcomes.

The inspectors visited the school on June 25.

Executive headteacher Richard Wright and the staff team are delighted with the resulting report.

Some of the highlights included: • “Pupils love attending Kirkby-in-Malhamdale Primary School. This is because they have strong friendships, are treated fairly by all staff and feel safe wherever they are in school.”

• “Pupils achieve well and are well equipped to succeed in secondary school.”

• “The behaviour of pupils, both during lessons and at break times, is positive.”

• “The school is at the heart of the local community.”

• “Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities that help them to develop their understanding of the world around them.”

• “Effective safeguarding practice. Pupils feel safe.”

• “Parents, staff, pupils and governors could not speak more highly of the school. The school’s reputation in the locality is strong.”

• “Pupils are passionate about reading. They can talk at length about their favourite authors. They routinely recommend books to their teachers and friends based on what they like. Pupils are able to do this because of the wide range of books they have read. Phonics teaching ensures that children get off to a strong start.”

• “The school’s Curriculum For Life ensures that pupils are taught life skills, such as basic first aid and conflict management while developing resilience and problem solving skills.”

• “The school provides opportunities for pupils to develop their leadership skills.”

Mr Wright said: “Our thanks, first and foremost, go to our wonderful children who impressed the inspectors with their positivity, conscientiousness, and hard work. They are all amazing and the reason why we work so hard and care so much about our school.

“We also wish to say a big thank you to all the parents, grandparents and members of the community who came forward to champion our school and celebrate the work of the school. The community of Malhamdale is truly special.

“A special thanks to our hard-working teachers and staff, including Amanda Allen, our long-serving Assistant Headteacher and knowledgeable governors, including our wonderful Chair of Governors, Rachael Caton, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the school the best it can be.

“We have a wonderful team at Kirkby Malham and this report is representative of the fantastic team effort of an entire school community.”