YOUNGSTERS at Catherine Wayte Primary School have been given a pat on the back for their good behaviour.

Ofsted inspector Colin Lee wrote to the 322 pupils, praising them for the positive atmosphere they create at the school.

He said: "Your behaviour is excellent and this makes your school a friendly, pleasant place where everyone helps one another."

The inspection team also heaped praise on headteacher Laura Brierley, who only joined the school in January this year, She said: "There were lots of good practices in place when I got here but we have built on them over the year.

"It's been a terrific first year for me and I am looking forward to the future here."

The team of inspectors descended on the school on November 20 and 21.

Mr Lee said that despite some weaknesses among the teaching staff, all the adults - including governors - were working hard to make improvements.

He said staff do an excellent job in looking after students and making sure struggling pupils have extra help.

He added: "Teachers need opportunities to watch one another to see how pupils in other classes are helped to learn."

The inspection team judged the extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development as outstanding as well as their overall attitude to learning.

The school's overall grade was good with no marks indicating an inadequate performance.

Mrs Brierley said: "Both the teaching staff and the pupils are delighted with the feedback - we all work as a team so it's an achievement for all of us.

"We are really happy our hard work has been recognised but have also been given some pointers on how to be even better.

"We are continuing to improve all the time and the youngsters enjoy sharing that achievement."