A VILLAGE school has won praise for its "family atmosphere" and high standards of achievement.

Ofsted inspectors found Alne School, near Easingwold, to be a "good school, with high standards of literacy, numeracy and science." In most areas of learning, its 99 pupils were reaching standards above the national average.

Pupils' behaviour and attitude to their work were also found to be good and they won praise for their ability to form relationships with one another and adults.

The report also highlights the "family atmosphere" of the school. It says: "This is a caring school, which provides a good level of support and guidance for its pupils.

"Pupils feel confident to approach the staff with their problems. Parents rightly praise the family atmosphere. The provision of a caring, orderly environment in which pupils feel happy and confident is a strength of the school."

However the school was criticised for not developing the use of homework enough to support pupils' learning. The governing body has included this issue in the school's development plan.

Head teacher Ian Bretherton said the school was particularly proud of its links with the local community.

He said children frequently visited nearby retirement home Oak Trees and the Alne Hall Cheshire home for the disabled, where they entertained and chatted to residents. The school also hosts lunches for grandparents and stages school concerts to which local pensioners are invited.

Mr Bretherton said: "We think the social development of children is important. And we are delighted that this and other aspects of the life of the school have been recognised by the inspectors alongside our high standards of academic achievement."

Steve Williamson, chairman of governors, said the governing body was now planning to build on the school's success by establishing and implementing a policy for homework in consultation with parents and staff.

He said: "This report is a tribute to the hard work of staff, parents and governors and of course, the children."

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