A previously rated 'Outstanding' Oldham primary school has now been dropped to 'Good' in its latest Ofsted report.

St Thomas' Moorside Church of England Primary School was last inspected in 2015, when it scored 'Outstanding' with the education watchdog Ofsted. 

However, the report on the latest inspection at the school was published at the end of last month (July 22) and revealed the school had dropped down. 

The school, which is part of the Diocese of Manchester and one of two schools in the Dove-Shell federation, has been told that it must remedy gaps in pupils reading knowledge after 'weaknesses' in the delivery of a now-scrapped phonics programme.

The report, completed by Jackie Stillings and Peter Berry, also pointed out that recent changes to the curriculum have resulted in pupils having 'less time to secure the essential knowledge that they need to build new learning on'. 

It also found that some early years staff lack the expertise to 'build on what children already know and can learn' and that the school must ensure staff are provided appropriate guidance for this. 

However, despite a few lapses since the last report, it was overall found that the school was a positive place for pupils to attend. 

The report highlighted that the school has clearly outlined the curriculum and what students should be learning and when meaning pupils can seamlessly build on their knowledge from the early years through to Year 6.

Ofsted said that because of this, pupils tend to achieve well, with teachers regularly revisiting and checking pupils remember what they should.

They also said that the school's staff accurately identify students who may have special educational needs and disabilities and that staff are skilled at supporting these pupils as needed to ensure they have access to the same curriculum as their peers. 

St Thomas' Moorside C of E was also found to provide 'impressive' support for the wider development of its pupils including their wellbeing. 

According to the inspectors, some of this support includes a breakfast club which brings the pupils together and ensures many students are arriving on time to school.

The school also makes sure that pupils are prepared for later life, by teaching them online safety and giving 'valuable' opportunities to work with children from other schools and are taught about the changes that will happen to them as they grow up.

The report also pointed out that the governing body of the school has a 'palpable' ambition for all students to succeed.

St Thomas' Moorside C of E have been approached for comment.