A ‘welcoming and friendly’ primary school in Urmston where children enjoy archery, drama and gardening as well as normal lessons has been lauded by inspectors.

The Ofsted team which visited St Monica’s RC Primary School in March have said it ‘continues to be a good school’.

St Monica’s, on Woodsend Road South, Flixton, has achieved a consistently ‘good’ rating for almost 20 years.

“Pupils enjoy attending this welcoming, friendly school,” the report said. “They build strong relationships with staff, which help them to feel happy.

“Pupils look after each other and enjoy playing and learning together.

“Older pupils relish being role models for younger children as part of their buddy and playground leader responsibilities.”

The report said the school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

“Pupils typically achieve well across a range of subjects, “ the report goes on. “They behave well during lessons and social times. They enjoy the variety of rewards that they gain for positive conduct.”

Ofsted said pupils benefit from opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. For example, they visit the local library and air raid shelters. Pupils also go on residential trips.

“They enjoy inviting their parents and carers into the school to share their learning,” the report said. “Pupils were particularly excited to tell the inspector about a recent ‘stay and investigate morning’ that they shared as part of a ‘science week’.”

Children at the school enjoy a variety of extra-curricular experiences, including archery, drama, gardening and forest school clubs.

“Pupils are proud to represent their school in dodgeball, netball and football tournaments,” the report said.

The school has 334 pupils aged from three to 11. Its arrangements for safeguarding are effective, the report said.