A city school has been described as outstanding across four out of five areas following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Belgrave St Bartholemew's Academy in Longton was praised for its innovative use of technology and pupils' behaviour was described as "exceptional" in the inspectors' report, published earlier this month.

Quality of education was given a good rating. Behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all rated as outstanding.

The report said: "Pupils prosper at this warm and inclusive school. The school has high expectations of pupils -this includes for pupils who attend the school's specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

"From different starting points many pupils achieve very well. Many parents agree, with one comment being typical of many when they stated, 'Belgrave is a welcoming, community school; it is where my children have succeeded and thrived.'

"Beginning in the early years, children learn explicitly how to behave and develop positive attitudes to learning. There is an extremely harmonious atmosphere across school; as a result, behaviour throughout the school is exceptional.

"Pupils play an important part in shaping their school through the many opportunities provided for them to lead and be active citizens. The school ensures that pupils understand potential risks in the local community and learn how to overcome these.

"The school uses technology in innovative ways in all aspects of its work. Pupils are highly competent in using technology as part of their learning as well as using it to report any issues they may have in school."

Inspectors highlighted animation lessons as part of teaching pupils about computing. And work to improve attendance included encouraging pupils to see school as "the best party in town."

The report said: "As a result, they want to attend school regularly. Pupils develop a sense of community which ensures that their behaviour is exemplary.

"The school has designed a thoughtfully ordered, ambitious curriculum that develops inquisitive pupils who love to learn. For example, in computing, pupils in Year 1 learn how to animate a simple image, in Year 4 they use stop motion animation (and) by Year 6 they are able to plan and script their own 3D animations.

"The school sees reading as 'the window to all knowledge.' The approach to teaching early reading begins in nursery and continues until pupils are confident and capable readers.

"The school identifies pupils with SEND quickly and these pupils receive effective support, particularly through the use of technology. This enables many pupils with SEND to learn very well."

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