BEN Rhydding Primary School has been rated as Good by Ofsted.

It is an improvement for the Ilkley school which had previously been rated as Requires Improvement.

In a report published on July 18 the school watchdog says ‘parents and carers rightly recognise and appreciate the strengths of the headteacher and his leaders’.

The report also praises governors, saying they have a high level of experience.

The Ofsted report also emphasises:

• Since the school’s previous inspection, there have been considerable improvements to the quality of teaching. Pupils have positive attitudes to their learning and children in early years get off to a good start.

• By the time pupils leave Ben Rhydding, they have made good progress and are well prepared for secondary school.

• Teachers generally use assessment effectively to plan activities which are well matched to different abilities.

• Pupils enjoy reading and there are high levels of engagement in reading which has had a positive impact on the quality of pupils’ writing.

• The school’s curriculum provides pupils with a broad and balanced range of subjects, some of which are well taught.

• The achievement of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is good. Leaders ensure that these pupils receive the quality of teaching and support which meets their needs.

• The school puts a high priority on pupils’ welfare.

Head teacher Glen Hartford said: “We are delighted the report celebrates the strengths of Ben Rhydding Primary School, the energy and drive now evident throughout the school, the achievements of all our pupils, the expertise of the school’s Governing Body and the effective relationships the school fosters with parents and the local community.

“This was summed up quite nicely in the report by one of our parents who simply said ‘This is a gem of a school!’; this is something we can all agree with.”

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “It’s very good news that Ben Rhydding Primary School has gone from ‘Requiring Improvement’ to being judged as ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

The report praises the leadership of the school and it’s a good foundation for the school to build on this success.”