A city school has maintained its good standards according to Ofsted inspectors who praised its "warm and nurturing" nature.

The Willows Primary School was rated outstanding for personal development and good in four other areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management and early years provision – in its latest Ofsted inspection.

The report for the Penkhull school was published at the start of this term. The school has previously been rated good in earlier inspections.

The report said: "The Willows Primary School is a warm and nurturing school where pupils thrive. The school's vision of 'explore, dream and discover' is realised through the vast array of experiences that pupils have access to (and) most pupils achieve successfully in a broad range of subjects.

"Relationships are at the core of all the school's work, pupils are happy. They feel safe and well cared for (and) pupils are confident that adults take any concerns they have seriously.

"Pupils behave well in lessons. The varied activities offered to pupils at social times support their behaviour and interactions with each other, they are kind to one another and play well together."

Inspectors said pupils benefit from "a curriculum that is broad and ambitious" and "the school has identified the important knowledge pupils need to learn". But it added: "Sometimes the school does not consistently and accurately identify how well pupils develop knowledge over time.

"As a result, some pupils do not achieve as well as they could. The school needs to ensure that assessment is used effectively in all aspects of its work so that pupils, including those with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), develop secure knowledge across the curriculum."

Strong relationships between staff and pupils with SEND were praised however, and their needs were identified quickly and accurately, inspectors said. The report added: "Staff adapt the delivery of the curriculum well so that pupils with SEND can learn alongside their peers.

"The provision for pupils' personal development is exceptionally well considered. It prepares pupils well with an understanding of life in and beyond the local area; developing aspiration and introducing pupils to think about their next steps in life is a standout feature of this school.

"Through visiting different places of worship, pupils develop high levels of understanding and tolerance for different beliefs and cultures. Pupils secure a deep understanding of how to stay safe, including when online.

"The school nurtures pupils' talents and interests through a diverse enrichment programme involving a wide range of sporting and creative activities; these include crocheting, trampolining, weightlifting and many sporting competitions.

"Pupils benefit from a rich and varied set of experiences that celebrate their local heritage and broaden their horizons."