A school left without a building following a devastating fire has been praised for ensuring children's education did not suffer as a result.

SS Simon and Jude's CE School in Great Lever was all but burnt to the ground in August of last year.

But a recent Ofsted inspection found that there is much more to a school than a building.

Children are currently being taught in high-quality temporary buildings dubbed the Learning Village, and inspectors found that pupils at the school are happy and cared for.

Inspectors reported: "The school community suffered significant fire damage to the original school building recently. The school has worked commendably to minimise the impact of this event on pupils’ education. It has swiftly developed a temporary site, known as the ‘learning village’, for pupils to continue their learning almost unimpeded."

And they added: "Pupils have not let the changes to their learning environment affect their behaviour nor their adherence to classroom routines."

The school was marked as good in all areas.

The Bolton News: SS Simon and Jude's CE Primary School where children achieve well

The report stated: "Pupils feel well cared for at this school. They are happy and have positive relationships with each other. Their attitude to their learning is impressive, as is their behaviour."

It added: " Pupils in all classes demonstrated exceptional levels of conduct during lessons and throughout the school day. Pupils love to learn and are extremely attentive in their lessons."

Ofsted found that the school has high expectations for all pupils, with children making 'positive progress in their learning, often from low starting points'

Inspectors stated: "Many achieve well by the time that they leave Key Stage 2.They become capable writers and mathematicians."

Inspectors noted that the school organises a range of support for those pupils who struggle to read confidently and caters well for pupils' personal development.

They stated: "Pupils have a secure knowledge of how to look after their own mental and physical health. They know how to keep themselves safe, including when using the internet. They engage with charitable efforts such as food bank donations and shoe box appeals."

The inspection team found that pupils’ attendance rates are not as high as the school would like them to be, but added: "Nonetheless, the school takes sufficient action to make sure that attendance remains a high priority for everyone.

Staff were said to be 'particularly appreciative' of the school’s recent actions to help them to manage the additional challenges presented by the move to temporary buildings.

Katie Jones, headteacher: "We were extremely happy that Ofsted recognised that despite the devastating fire at school, the children's learning continued almost unimpeded. I am confident that the staff provide a great education every day. They bring learning to life in fun and engaging ways. Children love to learn at SS Simon and Jude's CE School .

"We pride ourselves on having strong links with our community. Through their support we were able to continue providing a great place to be educated. A place where children feel cared for and a place where children can flourish.

"I feel privileged to work alongside a staff team who rise to any challenge, always placing our children at the centre of our work."

Jill Albertina, CEO of Vantage Academy Trust, said:" Congratulations to the SS Simon and Jude's CE School community, I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised and proud of all they have achieved together."