Last updated at 20:00, Thursday, 05 July 2012

A Workington primary school has achieved its third consecutive outstanding Ofsted inspection.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School achieved outstanding grades in all areas, including achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

Inspector Gillian Salter-Smith said: “Pupils are very happy and secure because staff provide excellent care within a highly supportive family-type ethos based on strong moral values.

“Leaders and the governing body are relentless in their pursuit of excellence.”

She suggested finding ways to increase access for younger pupils to an outdoor section of the school’s grounds, which hosts wildlife and wild plants, something which the school are already planning.

Cath Pearson, who has been the school’s headteacher for 11 years, praised all the staff at the school.

She said: “They are all a really strong team and we work together. It is obvious to see how happy the children are to come to school.

“Everyone wants to get involved with the children and genuinely care for and nurture the children.

“It is a pleasure to be here and a privilege to serve this community.”

Michael Rooney, who has chaired the school’s governing body for nine years, said: “We have lots of things that make the school special. It is down to a very dedicated and loyal headteacher and she is leading an equally dedicated and hard-working staff.

“The school has a very happy and secure environment. It is a family-like environment.

“The school is always pushing to be better and provide the newest ideas.

“We never sit back and the governors give them everything they need to keep on going.”

First published at 19:20, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk