A "FRIENDLY" and "welcoming" school in Ellesmere Port has been given the thumbs-up by Ofsted inspectors.

The first full inspection to be carried out at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School on Capenhurst Lane in 10 years found that it continues to be rated Good.

Ofsted had previously visited the premises for a short inspection in 2016, while this full school inspection was carried out on December 6-7, 2022.

Inspectors reported: "This is a friendly, welcoming school. Staff and pupils establish strong relationships built on mutual respect.

"Pupils, and children in the early years, trust adults to deal with their concerns quickly and effectively. This includes incidents of bullying, which are rare. Pupils said that they feel happy and safe in school. Many parents and carers share this positive view.

"Pupils enjoy making a positive contribution to the life of the school. They relish the many leadership opportunities that they take on, such as ‘max agents’ and librarians. Pupils appreciate the wide range of activities available to them, including sports clubs and musical theatre."

Teachers, the inspectors said, "have been well trained to deliver the curriculum effectively. They have a secure knowledge of the subjects that they teach."

School leaders, meanwhile, "place a high priority on reading. Children in the early years receive daily phonics lessons from the start of school.

"Teachers ensure that reading books are carefully matched to the sounds that children and pupils have learned. Staff are quick to spot children and pupils who fall behind with their phonics knowledge. They provide effective support to help these children and pupils to catch up quickly. Teachers and pupils read together regularly."

Pupils with SEND "learn well" thanks to careful adaptation of the curriculum, while children in the early years "develop positive learning behaviours" and "play co-operatively together at breaktimes."

For safeguarding, which inspectors said was "effective", "staff know pupils and their families well. They are alert to any signs that children or pupils may be at risk of harm.

"Leaders act quickly on any concerns brought to their attention. They are tenacious in getting appropriate, external support for pupils and their families. Staff make sure that pupils learn how to keep themselves safe in the wider community and when online."

Identifying where the school can improve, inspectors said "some pupils do not attend school regularly enough. This means that they miss out on some important learning and opportunities to be involved in wider school life.

"Leaders should ensure that these pupils are supported to improve their rates of attendance."

The school was rated 'Good' in all areas.