STAFF and pupils at a local primary school are celebrating gaining the highest possible rating in a recent official inspection.

Oxenhope Primary School has been judged to be an outstanding church school, following an assessment carried out as part of the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools system. (SIAMS)

During a visit last month (February) an inspector interviewed pupils, parents, staff and governors, observed lessons and spoke to the school council and its worship group.

All four of the areas assessed were rated as "Outstanding".

Oxenhope Primary head teacher Kathrine Nutting said: "We are delighted to have been judged to be Outstanding in our SIAMS inspection on Friday February 12 – an improvement on our previous 'Good rating' in our SIAMS in June 2011.

"The results of SIAMS inspections are very important to a church school, as they confirm the fundamental values and ethos that underpin everything about the school.

"The report builds on the ‘Good’ Ofsted grading we received in December 2014, and celebrates the fabulous work that is going on at Oxenhope every day, which makes our school a unique and special place to be."

The inspector praised Oxenhope Primary's Christian vision, adding that its children flourish as individuals.

She concluded: "Children show excellent enquiry skills and can express their ideas and opinions confidently.

"They respect the views of others, they take on responsibilities and are taught skills that enhance their learning capacity and help to equip them for life.

"Most children make good progress in school and attainment is generally good. A dip at Key Stage 2 in 2015 is being addressed with a rigorous action plan and pupils are on course for improved results this year.

"In its quest to secure improvement the school recognises that its Christian ethos is an important contributor to its success.

"The care and nurture of children is exemplary, as shown in the appointment of a chaplain with pastoral responsibilities and the establishment of The Nest where vulnerable children and families are given support.

"The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the children is strong, and there are opportunities for children to develop life skills, for example through the Lifesavers pilot project in year five where children are learning the importance of saving and budgeting.

"Pupils can also take on responsibilities by becoming buddies, peace partners or members of the school council.

"By year six children are thinking philosophically and formulating their views about big questions such as, ‘Is there life after death?’ ‘I personally don’t believe in heaven’ or ‘I believe in re-incarnation.’

"The school provides an atmosphere where children are safe to explore their own spirituality and draw their own conclusions."