A junior school has had its rating downgraded by Ofsted despite being told its pupils “flourish”.

Mount Stewart Junior School in Carlisle Gardens, Kenton, was rated ‘good’ by the education watchdog after an inspection in March this year.

This saw it downgraded a step from Ofsted’s highest rating – ‘outstanding’ – which it achieved in October 2012. The school had not been inspected since.

Despite the lower rating, inspectors still found that the school was ‘outstanding’ in key areas, including behaviour and attitudes, and personal development.

The quality of education, and leadership and management at the school, which teaches pupils between the ages of seven and 11, were rated ‘good’.

During the inspection, the school was praised for its nurturing environment where "pupils flourish".

Its “broad and balanced” curriculum was also celebrated for allowing pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve well.

Inspectors added: “Pupils have exemplary attitudes to learning.

“They listen attentively, are highly motivated and show respect and kindness towards adults and each other.

"They feel safe and that there is always an adult to talk to if they need advice.”

The education watchdog also found that staff at the school ensured that all pupils could take part in clubs such as chess, choir, robotics and football.

The safeguarding arrangements at the school were also found to be effective.

Inspectors said that despite these successes, the implementation of the curriculum does not allow pupils to deepen their learning “as well as it could”.

They wrote: “This means that pupils’ knowledge of important subject content is not as developed and embedded as it could be.

“The school should ensure that it builds on its current offer to ensure staff have the training and expertise required to deliver the ambitious curriculum consistently and effectively.”

Mount Stewart Junior School says plans to address these issues through “targeted professional training and curriculum reviews” are already in place.

Following the release of the inspection report this week, Gillan Barnard, co-chair of the school’s governors, said: "We are immensely proud of our staff and students who work tirelessly to maintain high standards of education and personal development.

“This report is not just a testament to our current achievements but also a roadmap for our continued commitment to excellence."