A Bristol primary school's international links have impressed inspectors from the learning watchdog Ofsted.

The team that visited Horfield Church of England Primary School said pupils made a valuable contribution to the wider community.

"Music is used as a highly effective vehicle to establish strong links with communities both national and international with visits by the school's orchestra to Poland and Sweden, " the report said.

"The international dimension is embedded across the school not only through music and singing but also through modern foreign languages such as Spanish and French. "

In the reception class, children from different backgrounds and cultures were said to work well together and to enjoy exploring other cultures, such as singing Spanish songs.

But Ofsted said the school could do more to help those pupils from its increasingly diverse community who were learning English as an additional language.

The 385-pupil school in Bishop Manor Road was rated satisfactory overall.

Lead inspector Susie Wallis-Maclean said it was a caring and friendly environment in which parents were supportive , pastoral care of pupils was a strength and teachers created a positive atmosphere for learning.

Pupils' personal development was judged to be good and the inspectors said the children participated enthusiastically in a good range of enrichment activities and enjoyed visits and visitors.

Ofsted said more could be done to challenge the most able and more §rigorous checking of all children's progress was needed.

"Some weaknesses in the quality of teaching and learning have not been picked up quickly enough because leaders have been focusing on other areas of the school's work, such as significant building work," the report said.

To improve further, Ofsted said, the school should raise expectations of the standards all pupils are capable of achieving in writing; match work to pupils' needs and made sure lessons move along at a good pace; give pupils clear guidance through marking and targets; and monitor and improve provision more rigorously.