A NORTH Tyne school has been praised by Ofsted for maintaining its good quality of education.

Greenhaugh First School was visited by an inspector on March 14, and in the recently-published report the school was awarded a good rating.

Despite the executive headteacher being on long-term absence at the time of the inspection, the letter, addressed to acting head of school Justine Wise, praised staff for pulling together.

It read: “Together with governors, you have prioritised well, tackling recommendations from the previous inspection, such as pupils’ presentation and handwriting, effectively.

“You also hone in on current areas that require scrutiny and further development effectively.”

It said the school had acted on challenges set out in the previous inspection, such as to improve pupils’ achievement in mathematics.

As a result, in 2016 the proportion of pupils in Key Stage 1 reaching expected standards in mathematics was above national figures.

It said pupils felt safe and well looked after, and continued: “Bullying, pupils feel, is not a problem in their school.

“Older pupils and buddies show caring and considerate attitudes towards their younger friends. ‘Mutual respect and friendship’ are core values which parents agree typify the school’s ethos.”

The report advised that pupils’ progress in phonics was monitored more closely, and that science was prioritised.

Mrs Wise said: “The result is an absolute measurement of the hard work of the team and the dedication of the children, parents and staff. It is a real celebration that we could achieve that together.

“We got ‘good’ in 2012 and that has continued. We have striven to make use of the feedback to drive forward standards.”