STAFF and students at Langford Budville Church of England Primary School are celebrating after receiving good news this week.

The school in Wiveliscombe has been rated outstanding by the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools, after an inspection on January 19.

The main findings of the report say that the excellent leadership by the head teacher with a very strong sense of teamwork, equality and shared working among the whole school community, provides direction for the school’s distinctive Christian character.

It reads: "Christian Values are at the heart of the school’s ethos and underpin the high quality of relationships throughout the school community.

"The school offers an environment where children are valued as individuals and where their talents are given every opportunity to flourish.

"Christian values are recognised, celebrated and permeate the daily life of the school and are covered in depth through Collective Worship, as an integral part of the curriculum and are backed up by the examples set by teachers and adults in the school."

Head teacher, Keith Sharpe, said: "I am absolutely delighted by the report which has truly reflected the values and aspirations of the school.

"The school bases its ethos on that of a family and we develop the school through our strong Christian values and vision.

"The hard work and support of the parents, staff and governors is also clear to see and the fact that the children are happy is really important to us.’

Areas which are highlighted to develop are fostering and developing children’s spiritual awareness further by creating a quiet reflective area in the school grounds in order to cultivate a sense of identity and personal insight.

The school should also widen links with diverse communities in this country so that children develop a greater understanding of and respect for people of other faiths and cultures.

The school is looking forward to the challenge of these areas to improve and will be fully engaging with the children, parents and governors to develop the spiritual area in the grounds over the coming months.

A full copy of the report is available on the school’s website: www.langfordbudvilleprimaryschool.co.uk/