CHILDREN at Honley Church of England Infant and Nursery School love their school and are bursting to take part in all it has to offer, Government inspectors found.

Inspector Katharine Halifax described the school as “outstanding” overall and said pupils were lucky to attend an institution providing such a quality education.

She said teachers provided thrilling lessons, which was why children learned at an incredible rate and “blossomed’’.

This happened because the school was well-led and had a first-class staff.

As a result, she said pupils reached high standards and made good progress in their personal development.

The report also praised the exciting curriculum and the far wider range of activities and clubs than is usual for an infants school.

These include drama, traditional crafts such as knitting, and local history.

Children were found to be proud of their heritage and community and were committed to environmental work in nearby woods.

The report, following the inspection in March, also praised the children’s mature awareness of diversity because of the school’s excellent provision for community cohesion.

Twinning links with Fixby Junior and Infants School, where pupils come from a wide range of minority ethnic groups, meant similarities and differences were explored in an enjoyable way.

Headteacher Christine Lancaster was also singled out for praise in the report for her visionary leadership and determination to make the school the best it possibly could be.

The report also praised pupils for their good behaviour, work ethic and the way they cared for each other.

Mrs Lancaster said: “We are all absolutely delighted with the report as it acknowledges the hard word and commitment of the whole team at Honley including staff, parents governors and of course our wonderful children.

“The report recognises all that we have worked towards over the last few years with its emphasis on high standards achieved in a happy and exciting learning environment where everyone feels safe and valued.

“I am especially proud of everyone in school as the Ofsted report came near the end of a challenging term, when the school had already undergone assessment for Artsmark Gold, the Financial Management in School Standard and The Basic Skills Quality Mark.”