A primary school has received a glowing review from Ofsted following its latest inspection.

Thistle Hill Academy in Minster has made “significant improvements” since it was last rated as “Requires Improvement” in 2018 by the independent watchdog.

Inspectors found that pupils feel safe at the school and treat each other with care.

The report says: “They know that their school values of showing support, togetherness, ambition, respect and success allow them to shine.

“Pupils strive to live out these values daily and are keen to earn recognition for demonstrating these, such as earning certificates, points and the chance to attend the weekly golden lunch”.

It also notes that staff know pupils well and are ambitious for what they can all achieve, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The school, which is part of The Stour Academy Trust, was previously graded as “Requires Improvement’ after it was found teaching did not meet the needs of different groups of pupils effectively.

However, inspectors say it has made “significant improvements to its provision over the last few years”, noting that pupils now achieve well.

Parents described the school as a “warm and stable environment’ with staff going “above and beyond” for children.

It was rated as “Outstanding” in the personal development and leadership and management categories, and as good in the remaining sections.

The report states the school has designed a curriculum that identifies the knowledge and skills that pupils need to know.

Inspectors found that staff subject knowledge is strong and clear explanations support pupils in understanding their learning.

Pupils also conduct themselves well and are “motivated and keen” to engage in their learning.

The report added: “The school works tirelessly to support pupils to attend well and this work is effective.

“The wider development of pupils is exceptionally strong. The school carefully tailors its offer to the needs of the pupils especially well.”

However, in some foundation subjects, it was found there was not a consistently sharp link between the activities planned in lessons and the intended learning.

This meant pupils may not understand or recall their learning as effectively as they could.

To improve, the school was told it needs to make sure that staff have the knowledge and support they need to make more considered links between activities and intended learning.

The arrangements for safeguarding at the school were found to be effective.