THE latest results of a Catholic Inspectorate report for a primary school in Furness described it as 'a beacon of love, joy, calmness and hope'. 

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School in Dalton was found to be ‘highly inclusive’ and to offer an ‘outstanding’ level of care to vulnerable pupils.

Its overall effectiveness was graded 2 - meaning good.

It received ratings of 1 - outstanding - in areas including pupil outcomes, provision and leadership.

The school, on Crooklands Brow, was credited with creating a ‘strong sense’ of family and community as well as a ‘very positive’, calm learning environment.

Inspectors found the school to have strong links with the parish and leaders who are ‘ambitious’ for the school and committed to working to improve outcomes for pupils.

The report said parents and pupils are ‘rightly proud’ of their school and value the support given to them.

However the inspection also highlighted ways in which the school needs to improve, which included revisiting the school mission statement to reflect the unique identity of the school. The report also emphasised the need for ‘consistency’ in religious education.

The school had met the areas for development from the last inspection and the report found pupils were able to speak with confidence.

Inspectors found pupils to show an awareness of some key concepts, to engage ‘very well’ in lessons and a willingness to improve their knowledge, understanding and skills.

The report said pupils are happy, confident and well behaved as they feel secure in a school which provides a calm and safe environment. Students were found to be valued and cared for as unique persons and showed a deep self-respect and great consideration for others.

Our Lady’s was found to have systems in place to check pupil knowledge, while teachers demonstrated a high level of commitment to delivering religious education.

The report said pupil outcomes are improved by enrichment opportunities such as church visits, recently pupils were able to visit and see the relics of St Bernadette in Carlisle.

The school was praised for their ‘central’ focus on prayer and liturgy, as pupils from a young age respond well while older pupils are able to lead service.

Inspectors found the primary school to be welcoming and ‘well led’ with an ‘outstanding’ Catholic life and a sense of community.