A "welcoming" Stoke-on-Trent school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for helping disadvantaged pupils and those with special needs achieve well.

Inspectors also found children at Our Lady's Catholic Academy, Fenton, eager to learn, with "positive attitudes to learning", the report published this month said.

The academy's latest inspection was carried out in January under Ofsted's new grading system.

It was found to have met the expected standard in achievement, curriculum and teaching and leadership and governance, while attendance and behaviour, early years, inclusion and personal development and wellbeing were all judged to be of a strong standard.

Executive headteacher Karyn Oakley said: "We are delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection. The report highlights the school's commitment to providing an educational environment where every pupil can thrive.

"Our Lady's Catholic Academy has a longstanding reputation for fostering a welcoming and inclusive community. The school's Catholic ethos is centred on developing the whole child, combining strong academic standards with a focus on personal growth and moral values.

"Our mission statement, 'With God, all things are possible' really empowers pupils to believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, and Ofsted recognised this during their visit."

The inspection report said: "Pupils are passionate about attending this welcoming school (and) they are greeted warmly by staff. From the outset, leaders prioritise reading, writing and mathematics.

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"Many pupils have low starting points when they join the school and a number of pupils leave or join the school part way through the academic year. As a result, outcomes for phonics in Year 1 are below national levels.

"The school is relentless in ensuring that these pupils catch up and learn the knowledge they need to be ready for their next step.

"As a result of the school's inclusive practices, disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve well because gaps in learning are identified quickly and addressed.

"Pupils typically achieve well by the time they leave the school. The proportion of Year 6 pupils reaching the standards expected for their age in reading, writing and mathematics are typically above national averages.

"Targeted support for those that fall behind or who are new to the school is generally effective. As a result, barriers to pupils' wider achievement across the curriculum are successfully being overcome."

School leaders were advised to ensure that pupils are given opportunities to apply their extended writing skills more broadly across the curriculum to enhance and deepen their learning.

The report added: "Leaders should continue their drive to ensure that opportunities for pupils to recap prior learning are consistently used well across the curriculum to further connect pupils' knowledge and skills."

Pastoral care was identified as a particular strength at the academy however, and inspectors also highlighted the trusting relationship between staff and families which allows concerns to be addressed promptly.

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The report said: "Staff have highly positive relationships with pupils and know them well. They adapt teaching to reduce barriers for vulnerable pupils, including those who need extra help or speak another language; consequently, pupils succeed and fully participate in lessons.

"The 'Saint Catherine of Siena' room offers a safe space for pupils to regulate emotions. Pupils feel very proud of their school and the staff that support them – this comprehensive approach ensures that pupils leave school as positive, responsible and active citizens."