CHILDREN at a tiny South Lakeland school have “outstanding behaviour,” according to a newly-published Ofsted report.

The inspector found Selside Primary to be a "good school" and praised executive head teacher Sarah Coleman for bringing about "a new air of calm and positivity."

It was noted that the conduct of pupils is "exemplary" and they are "consistently courteous and impeccably polite." They were also said to be "unfailingly polite in their interactions with adults and show strong self-discipline."

The inspector added that “there is a tangible sense of harmony and calm in the school” with the "beautiful, rural surroundings" used to develop self-esteem and fitness.

Reporting on the quality of teaching, the inspector found that it had improved in recent times and is now good across all year groups including the early years.

He said that teachers use their strong subject knowledge to plan lessons that interest pupils and said their were "warm relationships" between staff and pupils.

The report highlighted how reading is a strength with progress made well above national average last year.

“Pupils read widely and show a very good degree of fluency and comprehension for their age and capability," said the report.

Ms Coleman was praised for “securing considerable improvements” and along with the governing body for having the school's fortunes.

Leaders of early years, key stage 1 and key stage 2 were also praised as having a “secure overview of the quality of provision in their relevant year groups”.

The “broad and interesting curriculum” came in for further praise. Inspector Mark Quinn said that the school “caters well for the full range of academic experiences."

He said they complement these with activities that are effective in promoting pupils’ physical and mental health.

Parents said their children were happy at the school and responses to an on-line parent view survey were overwhelmingly positive.

Parents also told the inspector that teachers set homework tasks that “directly relate to activities in class and consolidate pupils’ learning."

But the inspector did find that sometimes teachers did not match work to pupils' abilities which was particularly toe case in science for the most able. And although pupils' progress in writing and maths has improved, the inspector noted that it is still not as strong as that in reading.