AN Ellesmere Port primary school has a "friendly and accepting atmosphere" for pupils, Ofsted inspectors have reported.

The latest Ofsted inspection at Brookside Primary School in Rostherne Avenue, Great Sutton, concluded the school continues to earn its rating of 'Good'.

Inspectors said: "Pupils, including children in the early years, enjoy coming to school. Teachers greet pupils warmly each morning. Pupils settle down to work quickly and sensibly. They said that they feel happy and safe in school because staff are kind to them and will look after them well.

"Pupils enjoy the friendly and accepting atmosphere at school. They are adamant that everyone is welcome here. Pupils particularly enjoy the broad range of trips on offer."

Inspectors added, in their tour of the school in July this year, when there were 210 pupils on the school roll: "Leaders have prioritised the teaching of early reading.

"From the early years, staff surround children with high-quality texts. In key stage 1, and in the early years, staff skilfully design learning around interesting books and this helps to bring topics to life.

"Staff choose reading books for pupils which closely match their phonics ability. Leaders have ensured that, when pupils fall behind in reading, there are robust measures in place to help them to catch up."

Inspectors noted there was "occasional low-level disruption in some classes", but added: "teachers notice this quickly and remind pupils what is expected of them in terms of their conduct. This means that the learning of other pupils is rarely disrupted."

In terms of safeguarding, inspectors reported: "There is a strong culture of safeguarding in the school. Leaders ensure that all staff complete appropriate training regularly.

"Staff understand what to look out for that may indicate a pupil is at risk of physical or emotional harm. Staff remain vigilant. They record and report safeguarding concerns carefully and promptly."

Identifying where the school could improve, inspectors said: "In a small number of subjects, leaders have only introduced curriculums more recently. This means that some pupils still have gaps in their knowledge and understanding in these subjects.

"Leaders have not ensured that some older pupils are exposed to a broad enough range of high-quality texts that they can read and listen to for pleasure. This means that some older pupils do not read widely enough."

This is the second time Ofsted inspectors have visited the school since it was formally given its Good rating in October 2014.