A primary school has been praised for its ambitious and interesting curriculum following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Great Harwood Primary School, in Rushton Street, retained its Good rating following the visit in September, its first full Ofsted inspection in almost a decade.

In the report, inspectors highlighted the school’s focus on reading, and also noted how much pupils enjoyed being at the school.

The report said: “Pupils enjoy coming to school., and they are happy and interested in what they are learning.

“Pupils understand how important it is to work hard in school, so that they will do well in later life.

“The school has prioritised the teaching of reading. From the early years, children are immersed in high-quality texts.

“Staff carefully thread the learning of new sounds and the development of children’s vocabulary through the curriculum.

“The school has trained staff to ensure that the delivery of the phonics curriculum is consistent.

“The school makes sure that pupils read books, which match the sounds they know and suit their interests. Most pupils are fluent readers by the time they enter Key Stage 2.

“Pupils throughout school value reading and the joy that it provides, and appreciate the new reward system, which inspires them to read more frequently at home.”

Inspectors also praised the “curriculum that is appropriately ambitious and interesting and ordered logically” to support learning”.

Children with special educational needs or disabilities are well catered for, with staff equipped to identify additional needs quickly and accurately, meaning SEND children achieve well.

Behaviour was praised with lessons calm and children working hard and persevering when they find things tough, and the school was commended for its systems to help children understand and manage their feelings and the impact this has on others.

Pupils’ personal development is also strong, understanding the importance of fairness and equality and why eating and living healthily is important.

Contact and information sharing between parents and staff was also raised as a strength.

To become outstanding, the school was told to ensure that in some subjects the most important key knowledge for pupils is communicated clearly enough so learning is not hindered, and to provide a wider range of extra-curricular activities for pupils to develop their skills and knowledge, particularly in sports and the arts.