A village school which is due to merge with another has just been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.

Denby Dale Nursery School, which has 54 children, was awarded top marks in all areas by the Government inspectors.

The school is scheduled to move from its historic Wakefield Road buildings to the Gilthwaites First School site to create a single school for children aged two to 10. The two schools are federated and already work closely together.

Ofsted was full of praise for the nursery school, stating: “Children make excellent progress in their learning and development because of the high quality adult support. Practitioners skillfully use excellent teaching techniques.

“Children are highly motivated and very confident learners. Practitioners follow children’s interests with great enthusiasm and this results in children’s high levels of engagement in learning.

“Leadership and management are outstanding. The relentless drive for improvement means that children are given the best possible start to their education.

“Children’s needs are outstandingly well met through highly effective partnerships between the nursery, parents and outside agencies.”

Executive headteacher Jackie Wood said: “I am delighted with the Outstanding outcome and so proud of the staff and the children. The report is a wonderful confirmation of the dedication of the staff, and I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment.

“This is truly a report to be proud of as we move to our new setting, joining with Gilthwaites First School to become Denby Dale First and Nursery School.”

Governor Peta Stringer added: “What an absolutely amazing report. I don’t think I have ever seen a better one. We should be so proud of the staff for all they do for the children.

“I know I am I felt really emotional when I was reading it. Congratulations to all concerned.”