Pupils at a Stoke-on-Trent school have been praised by Ofsted inspectors for their positive attitude and excellent behaviour in the community.

Leaders at Carmountside Primary Academy were described as "passionate about creating a school where every pupil feels valued" in the inspection report, which has been published this month (September 8).

The Abbey Hulton school was found to have a strong standard of personal development and wellbeing. It met expected standards for attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance.

Achievement and early years were found to need attention. But action to improve the curriculum is already taking place at the school, the report said.

It added: "Over time, the curriculum and teaching have been less than secure. This has meant that some pupils have not learned as well as they should and have not achieved the outcomes they were capable of.

"Achievement is improving but remains less secure than other aspects of the school's work. Published results at the end of Key Stage 2 (11 years old) are below the national average; this means that pupils leave less prepared for secondary school than they should be.

"Leaders recognise that improvements in curriculum implementation have not yet translated consistently into outcomes. This is particularly evident for some disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

"Leaders have established stronger curriculum structures and teaching approaches which are helping pupils acquire knowledge and skills more effectively than previously. Leaders recognise there is further work to do with spelling accuracy, presentation and writing fluency."

Personal development and wellbeing "are a significant strength of the school" however, the report said, and "leaders have created a highly ambitious and well-considered programme that reflects a deep understanding of pupils' lives, experiences and needs."

The report said: "Leaders are passionate about creating a school where every pupil feels valued; strong, trusting relationships help pupils feel safe and confident. Staff know the pupils well – this is because they take the time to understand them as individuals.

"Leaders place pupils' personal development at the heart of the school's work. They go above and beyond to provide opportunities that will develop pupils' character and understanding of the world; pupils value these opportunities.

"Pupils' attitudes to learning are generally positive. When within the community and visiting new places, pupils are noted for their excellent behaviour and courteous manner.

"Pupils enjoy lessons and speak positively about the wider curriculum. Older pupils, particularly in Year 6, demonstrate increasing confidence and resilience."

Carmountside Primary Academy is part of The Societas Trust.

Headteacher Lisa Challinor said: "We are absolutely delighted that inspectors recognised our commitment to children's personal development and wellbeing, highlighting this as a significant strength of the school.

"We are equally pleased that the report acknowledges the many positive things happening across our school and reflects the dedication, care and hard work of our staff, pupils, governors and families.

"As a school community, we are proud of what has been achieved together.

"While the report identifies some areas for further development, inspectors recognised that these were already priorities that we had identified ourselves and acknowledged the work already underway to address them.

"We look forward to building on this positive outcome as we continue to provide the very best opportunities and support for every child."