An Oldham school that has been described as “calm” has maintained its "good" rating after a recent visit by Ofsted.

Alt Academy on Alt Lane which teaches pupils aged three to 11 was visited by the education watchdog last month for an inspection after it was judged to be "good" in September 2017.

Schools receive graded inspections at regular intervals but will still be subject to intermittent inspections by Ofsted.

In the latest report, inspector Alun Williams said pupils “enjoy” coming to the academy and rise to the high expectations of the school, showing an eagerness to learn the “ambitious curriculum” as staff making learning engaging and interesting.

The inspector commented on the safety of the school, finding on the “rare occasion” when bullying occurs leaders and staff deal with it “effectively” while students know staff care about their wellbeing and worries.

Behaviour is another positive that was raised in the report with the children adapting to regimented routines and following instructions “with a minimum of fuss”.

The inspector found disruption to be “rare” as youngsters have respectful relationships to one another and to staff.

Establishing pupils as fluent readers is one of the school’s top priorities, the report reveals, with teaching and phonics starting as early as nursery age to help them to become confident readers.

Sport and music are also popular at the academy with pupils visiting museums and taking part in plays while youngsters are taught how to play a musical instrument from as early as key stage 2.

Meanwhile, older students take on leadership responsibilities such as friendship monitors or mental health ambassadors which help them to develop their character and self-confidence.

A student told the inspector: “There is a job for all. Everyone is included.”

Staff are also well supported at the academy while the relationship between the school and parents remain strong.

The school offers a free breakfast club for pupils while staff operate a foodbank that parents use each day.

To improve its rating further, Ofsted said some tasks do not always help pupils to learn with the teachers’ desire to make tasks engaging occasionally distracting pupils.

Mr Williams said to improve, leaders should ensure work given to pupils consistently helps them to learn and remember important curriculum content.