A "calm and nurturing" primary school has retained its good rating after an Ofsted inspection.

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Roman Catholic Primary School in Blackburn was visited by inspectors on April 21 and 22.

Headteacher Martina Staffa said she is proud of the children and their behaviour throughout the inspection.

She said: “We are very proud Ofsted has continued to recognise us as a ‘Good’ school across the board, reflecting the dedication and hard work of our staff, governors and wider community over recent years.

“Our children are a joy to teach and we are so proud that their behaviours and attitude to learning shone through in our inspection.

“Our children are a credit to themselves, their families and their teachers, whose tireless efforts ensure a caring and supportive yet ambitious environment for them to develop in.

“We are passionate about developing children who will have the skills and qualities to make a positive contribution to society as they grow and we are pleased that this was recognised throughout the inspection process.”

The primary school, in Holbrook Close, was praised for "rare incidents of bullying" and for having "polite and well mannered" pupils.

The inspector said: “Pupils learn about different cultures and beliefs. They know the importance of treating people with understanding and respect.

“Although pupils sometimes fall out with their friends, bullying is rare.

“Pupils are confident that it would be dealt with swiftly by staff should it occur.”

Inspectors also noted that the curriculum was well planned and that the development of pupils' vocabulary knowledge was a "priority".

The inspectors added: “The development of pupils’ vocabulary knowledge and communication skills are a priority for leaders. Staff use every opportunity to broaden pupils’ vocabulary.

“In the reception class, the love of songs and rhymes is fostered by well-trained staff.”

Leaders provide opportunities around the curriculum which inspectors said ‘enhances pupils’ personal development well’.

The Governors are said to know the school and local community well. Ofsted also said that safeguarding was effective.

To become outstanding, the school was told: "For some pupils, particularly those in Key Stage 1, the key knowledge they were taught during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been retained.

"This hinders the progress these pupils make. Staff should ensure they revisit missed or forgotten learning so pupils can overcome gaps in their knowledge."

The school was rated good in its last inspection on March 22 and 23, 2017.