PUPILS from a village school have been jumping for joy after being recognised as top class in an Ofsted inspection. Bassingbourn Primary School was awarded an outstanding grade with the report praising staff and pupils. Joy Richardson, Ofsted inspector, s

PUPILS from a village school have been jumping for joy after being recognised as top class in an Ofsted inspection.

Bassingbourn Primary School was awarded an outstanding grade with the report praising staff and pupils.

Joy Richardson, Ofsted inspector, said in her report: "The school achieves very high standards in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and encourage-ment.

"Staff and pupils work hard and strive to do their best.

"Learning has a proper sense of urgency, while laughter and fun abound, too."

The report also stated that children "thrive as people" at the school and "absorb the values that they are taught and modelled by the staff".

Mrs Richardson added: "Class councils and the school council give everyone a voice in how to make the school even better.

"The quality of care for pupils is extremely high, and every individual is valued and helped to succeed."

Head teacher Jane Murray, was also praised in the report, which said that with excellent support from the leadership team and from the governing body she is "driving the school forward to achieve the best for all pupils".

Mrs Murray, who has been head for two and a half years, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Ofsted re-cognised the great many strengths of our school as 'outstanding'.

"Everyone has worked together to create a high quality education and a strong caring ethos for our children.

"We have refurbished our sur-roundings to a high standard to create an environment that is modern and stimulating.

"It is very important to us that our children are happy and healthy."

The school achieved six grade 1 marks out of eight categories leaving them with an overall "outstanding" result.

The report also recognised the comments of one parent, who spoke for many saying: "Educationally and socially, we couldn't ask for more from our school.