A city school has welcomed the results of its latest Ofsted inspection – and pupils have been praised for their "exemplary" behaviour and positive attitudes.

The role of children who show courage, resilience and kindness as "influencers" to others was also highlighted by Ofsted inspectors following their visit to Heron Cross Primary School.

The report was published earlier this month under Ofsted's new grading system. The school was found to have strong standards in attendance and behaviour, inclusion and development and wellbeing, while achievement, curriculum and learning, early years and leadership and governance all met the expected standard.

The report said: "Heron Cross Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school where pupils thrive.

"From the moment pupils join the school, including those who start at different points in their education, staff take time to get to know them well – as a result, pupils feel safe, valued and well cared for.

"Behaviour across the school is exemplary, pupils enjoy learning and work hard in lessons. Disruption to learning is rare because pupils understand leaders' high expectations and respond positively to them.

"Bullying is rare, and pupils trust staff to deal with any concerns quickly and effectively. Pupils' positive attitudes to school are reflected in high rates of attendance; if attendance begins to fall, pupils receive appropriate and timely support.

"Pupils who model the school's values such as courage, resilience and kindness are recognised in school as 'influencers'. Other pupils aspire to demonstrate these values in their own behaviour."

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The report said that leaders should further support staff in ensuring curriculum developments in writing and mathematics are embedded so that pupils learn important foundational knowledge in these subjects securely and consistently.

It added: "Leaders should ensure that teaching focuses consistently on the important knowledge that has been identified across curriculum subjects and that pupils embed and remember this core knowledge securely over time."

Teaching was described as "typically effective" however, and staff were found to "provide targeted support for pupils who need it, enabling them to catch up quickly."

The report said: "Teachers adapt the curriculum and make appropriate adjustments so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils receive the support they need to learn alongside their peers and achieve well.

"Pupils' outcomes in key stage 2 national tests are broadly in line with the national average. Disadvantaged pupils achieve well, and gaps between their achievement and that of other pupils nationally are closing."

Headteacher Gemma Willdigg said: "We are delighted that the report reflects what we see every day at Heron Cross – a warm, inclusive school where every child is known, valued and supported to succeed. Inclusion, personal development and positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

"I am incredibly proud of our staff, pupils and families who work together to make our school such a caring and welcoming community in which children thrive and achieve."