Safeguarding at Workington Academy has been rated "effective" by a Government inspector.

The academy, in Stainburn Road, was subject to an unannounced Ofsted inspection on May 24 because of concerns about the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements, behaviour and welfare of pupils.

But inspector Neil Mackenzie spoke to headteacher Jonathan Logan, his staff and pupils and found pupils felt safe and secure.

Mr Logan said: "We are nine months into our journey towards becoming an excellent academy and are fully aware of what needs to improve.

"We have worked tirelessly over this time to ensure that our students have the highest quality of teaching and learning, and are supported to reach their full potential.

"We take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to ensure that students are not only aware of their own safeguarding but are also respectful and aware of their fellow students and staff."

The report said that staff cared deeply about pupils' well-being but that increasing attendance and improving quality of teaching were priorities.

Systems to support effective safeguarding were described as rigorous and staff were well-trained and professional in responding to pupils' concerns.

Children who needed specific guidance were identified quickly and supported effectively.

Pupils said bullying based on prejudice through name calling happened occasionally but were confident incidents were reported and dealt with rigorously.

Misbehaviour interfering with learning was not said to be common but it was observed that it usually occurred because pupils were bored.

Staff acknowledged that year 11 pupils required considerable additional teaching to compensate for previous weak teaching and that the support was not sustainable.

Attendance of about one fifth of pupils was poor but staff were said to be aware of the problem and having success with younger pupils, while struggling with older ones.

Another member of staff will be employed from September to improve attendance.

The senior leadership team was said to have a clear understanding of the academy's strengths and weaknesses.

The report said: "The good start the academy has made is commendable.

"You are beginning to implement the next phase of an academy-wide improvement that focuses on the aspects that need to improve quickly."