Thumbs up for village school (From The Northern Echo)

Thumbs up for village school

5:00pm Wednesday 22nd July 2009 in Search

A VILLAGE school is celebrating after education watchdogs described it as ‘a beacon of success across the country’.

Trimdon Grange Infant and Nursery School, in Trimdon, near Sedgefield, received the highest possible accolade in its recent Ofsted inspection report.

The school was declared outstanding in every respect and staff were praised for their exceptional skill and creativity.

The level of involvement of governors in the school was also noted and pupils were complimented because they ‘are so enthusiastic and behaviour is excellent’.

Inspector Rosemary Rodger said: "Its reputation is justifiably high both within the local authority and further afield because of its inspirational curriculum and amazing levels of creativity."

Standards are consistently well above national averages, especially in writing and mathematics, and pupils of all abilities achieve exceptionally well and develop an exceptional sense of personal enrichment.

Headteacher, Catherine Worton, said: "I am very proud of everything we have achieved at this school.

"We are so successful because we work as a team and the contribution of everyone from the youngest pupil to the most experienced governor is valued."

The school currently has 115 children on the register and takes pupils aged three to seven years.

Chair or governors, Kaye Marshall, added: "Trimdon Grange is a fantastic family school and we are thrilled that its achievements have been formally recognised in this report."

Durham County Council’s portfolio holder for children and young people, Coun Claire Vasey congratulated staff, governors and pupils on working together to provide an inspirational learning environment.

She said: "To be branded outstanding in all areas and to be hailed as a national beacon of success is a fantastic achievement."