STAFF, pupils, governors and parents are celebrating after a Blakedown school was rated 'outstanding' in a recent inspection.

Blakedown CE Primary School, in Birmingham Road, received the rating in their recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist School (SIAMS) inspection.

The inspection process included scrutiny of key documentation and data, as well as lesson observations, learning walks and interviews with staff, students, parents and governors.

The school was praised for its strong links with the church community, promoting a shared Christian vision for development and learning.

The report also stated that the ability of all stakeholders to articulate and promote a vision for the school which is rooted in Christian values with the result that every member of the school community feels valued, and that the great value placed on worship which is linked to Christian values and impacts positively on the life of pupils and staff.

However, the school has been told it can improve further by formalising the monitoring and evaluation of collective worship and enabling children to gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the Eucharist so they understand its significance and importance.

The new report is a far cry from their 2016 Ofsted inspection, where the school was given a 'requires improvement' rating.

Helen Beckford-Bond, headteacher, said: "We are thrilled that the inspector agreed with our own self-evaluations and we were graded as "outstanding" in four categories - Christian distinctiveness, worship, R.E and leadership and management, with our caring ethos and Christian values underpinning all of school life and impacting positively on the life of pupils and staff coming out as strengths.

"The comments of the inspector and the report reflect the continuous journey the school has undertaken since our last SIAMs inspection in May 2012 and we are very grateful for the incredible hard work and achievements of the entire school staff and the children, and also for the continuing positivity and support of our parents and carers.

"The governors, staff and I are very pleased that our determination to keep improving the school and the experiences it provides for our children spiritually, socially, emotionally and culturally have been formally recognised, confirming why we are still a preferred choice for many parents."

To read the full SIAMS report, visit churchofengland.org/education/church-schools-academies/siams-school-inspections.aspx.