A primary school in Cheadle Hulme has been warmly praised by Ofsted following an inspection in September.

Ladybridge Primary School, based on Councillor Lane, achieved the 'strong' standard in one area, 'expected' in four, and 'needs attention' in two under the inspectorate's new grading system.

This new system has done away with short summaries like 'outstanding' and 'good', and now assesses schools across six categories, with each being given a grade.

There are five graded tiers, from top to bottom: exceptional; strong standard; expected standard; needs attention; and urgent improvement.

Ladybridge was of a strong standard when it came to personal development, with inspectors saying pupils were prepared "extremely well for life beyond school".

"Pupils demonstrate a mature, confident understanding of how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy", the report said.

The school was of expected standard in four other areas: curriculum and teaching; early years; inclusion; and leadership and governance.

Ofsted singled out the school's 'ambitious and broad' curriculum, its 'positive start' for early years pupils, and its 'caring and inclusive' atmosphere.

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School leaders were similarly praised for their 'positive' ambition for the school.

"Leaders have identified appropriate improvements and are taking action to implement these", the report reads.

"An effective programme of professional learning has been established by leaders."

Although Ofsted found that the school's test results were lower than the national average, they acknowledged that recent improvements to the curriculum were "impacting positively on pupils' ability", adding that "pupils generally remember much of what they have learned in the wider curriculum".

Similarly, inspectors said that attendance rates were low, but recognised that leaders were monitoring it 'closely' and staff were working with families to "remove barriers that hinder pupils from attending regularly".