A Lake District primary school is making "good progress" in tackling concerns raised by government inspectors.

A new review of operations at Braithwaite Church of England Primary School was completed recently.

The school had been judged as "requires improvement" by the education regulator Ofsted almost two years ago.

Six months later, in September 2015, Braithwaite School joined an emerging group of schools run by the Diocese of Carlisle, the Church of England in Cumbria.

Braithwaite School was the third school to join the Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust, which carried out the latest review before Christmas.

Chris Ashcroft, the trust's school effectiveness officer, and Margaret Taylor, headteacher of High Hesket Primary School near Carlisle, visited Braithwaite.

Mrs Taylor is a recognised leader of education who supports other schools.

Identifying that good progress has been made, the pair also found:

* the capacity for leadership to develop further strategic direction

* the school has a "warm and caring environment"

* pupil behaviour is "very good"

* subject leaders are taking responsibility for leading development

* indoor provision for early years pupils "has been transformed"

* greater understanding among governors on how to support and challenge the school.

Jo Laker, headteacher at Braithwaite School, said: “We are pleased to see that all the hard work and effort being put in by all our pupils and staff and with the unwavering support of the trust, parents and the local governing body is having a demonstrable effect on learning opportunities and the school environment as a whole.

"As soon as we were made aware of the Ofsted report’s findings in March 2015, we looked to effectively and efficiently target those areas in which it was found we required improvement."
She added that a more positive outcome is expected from the next Ofsted inspection.

Areas still to focus on include developing outdoor areas for Braithwaite School's youngest pupils.

Pupils' progress in reading and writing, teachers' expectations, marking, and governor development are among the areas the school has already taken steps to address.

Michael Mill, acting chief executive of the multi academy trust, said news of the progress being made is "heartening".

He added: "The trust, working with its partners, has been able to secure additional funding for the school and provide an experienced team to support the school."