HARDWORKING and high-achieving pupils and knowledgeable governors were just some of the praises rained on Haydonleigh Primary School by Ofsted inspectors.

The education watchdog visited the school, in Haydon Court Drive, last month and rated it the school good across all five areas, offering only two recommended improvements including developing writing skills across a range of different subjects and opportunities to practically apply their mathematical skills.

Staff, governors and pupils celebrated the achievement before they broke up for the summer term.

Sue Heath, bursar at Haydonleigh, said: “The headteacher Frances Billinge is really proud of the school’s achievement following the completion of all the building work last August, during which the school staff worked tirelessly to ensure the building work did not impact on the learning.

“We now have an amazing school environment and the recent Ofsted inspection carried out in June confirms how well the school is performing with a good rating in every area.

“We have an incredible atmosphere within our school; the children are great, a marvellous team of staff and fantastic support from our governing body and parents.”

In the report, inspectors particularly praised the school for the higher than average attainment levels, the variety of teaching methods and resources and pupils' behaviour, and were impressed with parents’ positive comments and close links with the school.

It said: “All pupils are aware of the high standards that the school sets regarding behaviour.

“Around the school pupils are polite and often hold doors open for adults. In lessons they get on well with their work because most have very positive attitudes to learning.

“Teaching over time is typically good. This is because teachers provide a range of interesting activities that motivate pupils to do well.

“From starting points below what is typical, pupils attain above the national average at the end of Key Stage 2.

“Leadership in the early years is good. All staff carefully plan learning opportunities that excite children’s interest and imagination.”

Inspectors recommended the school improves teaching further in order to achieve an outstanding rating.

They said: “ Pupils do not have enough chances to practise their writing skills at length across a range of different subjects.

“Pupils are not given enough opportunity to apply their mathematical skills to real-life situations.”

To read the findings of the report for yourself visit http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/126295.