A MIDDLESBROUGH school was rated 'Good' after inspectors said it 'is a very tightly knit school community' and 'relationships between staff and families are based on trust'.

Ofsted rated Whale Hill Primary School, based in Sandsend Road in Eston, 'Good' in all categories - it was inspected on October 19 and 20.

Ofsted previously judged the school to be 'Outstanding', before it opened as Whale Hill Primary School as a result of conversion to academy status.

The report stated: "The school’s rules are fully embedded. All pupils understand why good behaviour matters. They know the importance of regular attendance. Pupils want to come to school and try their best. They want to achieve."

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To improve the report said: "Reading books are not well matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge in Year 1 consistently. As a result, some pupils cannot read these books fluently. This knocks their confidence. Leaders should ensure that reading books are well matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge."

Sandra Marsden, headteacher said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted Inspection and that inspectors recognised the standards that we strive to achieve. I am extremely proud of the staff, children and families that make Whale Hill Primary School a success, and as one pupil reported to inspectors, 'this school is a family, we look after each other.'

"Achieving 'Good' in all judgments, they acknowledged that our curriculum is ambitious and pupils come to school and try their very best.

"At Whale Hill our motto is 'continuous improvement towards the very best imaginable', and this is exactly what we aspire to for all of our pupils.

"On behalf of the school, I would like to thank staff, governors and parents for all their dedication, commitment and hard work, that contributes to the outcomes of our children and that makes our school a successful and inspiring place to be."

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