MEADOWPARK School in Cricklade has been awarded the highest possible of plaudits from Ofsted, which deemed the school ‘outstanding’ in a recent inspection.

The independent school has 37 children on its books aged between four and 10 years, and charges annual fees of between £5,985 and £8,250.

Headteacher Rajvinder Kular said the atmosphere at the school was boosted by the children, and staff considered their work to have a calming effect.

“We wanted to create an outstanding, happy school and obviously Ofsted have recognised that,” she said.

“We have got some very dedicated staff and a very caring community, which is hugely important. Our learning behaviour is outstanding, and pupils are very well motivated. That filters through to all the teaching staff, who say they come into the school and their stress just melts away.”

Questionnaires given to parents and pupils showed 100 per cent approval across the board.

“It is quite a phenomenal thing that the children are so happy, and that has a knock on effect,” said Mrs Kular.

“Our teachers work so hard with the children, so they deserve to have this reward. We will continue to try our best. The children need to know their targets and we are constantly trying to improve. The emphasis is always that the children are happy doing their learning.

“We are also looking to expand the school. It is difficult to say how far at this stage, but we want to make sure we have 12 children in every class.”

Following the three day inspection earlier this month, inspectors wrote: “Pupils’ achievement is outstanding, especially in numeracy and literacy. This is due to consistently high quality teaching and a well-developed curriculum which very effectively meets their needs.

“There is a very friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the school and the pupils are happy and enjoy their school life.

“Teaching is consistently at least good, and the majority of it is outstanding, enabling the pupils to make first rate and sustained progress according to their varying starting points. Teachers have consistently high expectations of all pupils.”

In the school year 2009 to 2010, the school was forced to relocate at short notice, leaving them temporarily unable to take on older pupils.

“The year during which the school was unable to operate fully has contributed to a renewed commitment by the proprietors, who are highly ambitious for the pupils and what they can achieve,” added inspectors.