A FENLAND primary school’s community ethos was praised by government inspectors for making its pupils feel valued.

Parents taking their children on holiday during term time have however affected Kinderley Primary School’s overall attendance figures which are rated as average.

Ofsted inspectors said the Tydd St Giles school has “clear policies” in place to encourage good behaviour and attendance but as a result of term-time holidays only scored a satisfactory rating for pupils’ attendance.

The report - which rated the school as good - said: “The small school community and welcoming ethos enable each pupil to feel they belong and are valued.

“Individuals are known very well, and exceptional levels of care are offered to those who find learning difficult. Pupils are tolerant and understand the needs of others, valuing the friendships they make.

“They mix well together and their behaviour is good.”

Technology is being used “very well” in lessons with the school’s 73 pupils enjoying the use of netbooks. Since the last inspection in 2008, pupils’ speaking and listening skills have also improved.

Almost all assessment criteria was rated as good with only a few scoring a satisfactory mark. Pupils’ attainment, the extent to which pupils develop workplace and other skills to contribute to their future economic well-being and the use of assessment to support learning were deemed satisfactory.

The school’s capacity for sustained improvement was also rated good. Inspectors said head teacher Rebecca Reeve “recognises the need for continued improvement” at the school.