A SOUTH Lakeland primary school has received its second 'outstanding' rating in less than a year.

In March last year, OFSTED rated Crosthwaite Church of England Primary School with its highest grading possible.

The school has since been visited by Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspectors who again judged it to be 'outstanding'.

The school's previous SIAMS inspection in October 2012 found the school, which has 82 pupils, to be 'good'.

Matthew Jessop, head teacher of the Lyth Valley school, said: "We are just pleased for the validation of all the hard work that staff, parents, governors and children have put in to make the school as outstanding as it is.

"It has been a significant effort by all stakeholders, and we have been supported very well by the local community and local church who are very much involved in the school.

"It won't change anything that we do but it is fantastic to know we are doing things so well. It's also nice for everyone to know that what we're doing is fantastic.

"To have a second outstanding inspection in the space of nine months is just excellent."

In the report, SIAMS inspectors praised Mr Jessop's 'outstanding creative leadership' which they said had created a 'distinctly Christian learning environment in which all can flourish'. Student behaviour, their attitudes to learning, an innovative curriculum and strong links with the church and local community also impressed the inspectors.

In addressing areas in which the school could further improve, inspectors advised that Crosthwaite C of E school could support other church schools in their development by sharing its 'excellent practice and creative ideas'.

It was also suggested that alternative ways through which pupils' understanding of diversity and other other faiths and cultures could be explored.

"The school is exceptionally well placed to move confidently into the future and to share its experience, values and success with others," noted the inspectors.