Children feel lucky to attend ­— and staff feel proud to work ­— at a village school which provides an outstanding education to pupils.

Blackrod Primary School was marked outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, which carried out its first inspection at the school in 12 years.

The school was exempt from routine inspection because it was judged as outstanding at its previous inspection, which was published in 2012.

Inspectors reported: "Pupils consider themselves lucky to attend this school. They flourish and are happy. They enjoy learning and enthusiastically embrace the wider opportunities that the school provides, such as learning photography or British Sign Language. Pupils blossom into confident and knowledgeable individuals who are prepared exceptionally well to take their place in modern society."

Children play a huge role in shaping their school, with staff and governors frequently asking their opinion on aspects of school life ­— which inspectors found empowers them to know they can make a difference.

Inspectors commented: "Pupils learn that they have the potential to bring about the changes that they want to see.

"For example, pupils on the eco-council are involved in an initiative to reduce litter. They relish the wealth of opportunities to work together with the wider school community for the benefit of all."

The school has 'exceedingly high expectations' of pupils and children are said to benefit from "the school's aspirational approach", with pupils embodying ‘The Blackrod Way’ .

The inspection report stated: "They strive to do their best. Pupils also benefit from an exceptional curriculum that enables them to achieve extremely well."

It added: "Collectively, governors, leaders at all levels and staff are determined to provide the highest quality of education for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They are successful, yet they are not complacent."

Ofsted found that staff are "overwhelmingly happy and proud to work at the school".

Staff are said to "take every opportunity" to enhance learning and to ignite pupils’ curiosity, for example taking part in "carefully selected cultural trips and visits" to enrich topics ­— and are alert to signs that pupils might need additional help.

Inspectors reported: "Staff swiftly and accurately pinpoint gaps in pupils’ knowledge and they ensure that learning does not move on before pupils are ready. As a result, pupils, including those with SEND, build a rich and comprehensive body of knowledge over time."

They added: "The school’s approach to supporting pupils’ personal development is exceptional. Pupils are actively engaged within the local community through ventures such as the multi-generational ‘cooking up connections’ project. Pupils joyfully described

participating in the many and varied outdoor learning activities, for example in the school’s forest area. They prize these opportunities to learn new skills."

Pupils were said to feel extremely well cared for.

Inspectors stated: "Most pupils are rarely absent from school. Where this is not the case, the school has sought to understand the circumstances of each individual pupil in order to overcome barriers. This careful attention to pupils’ well-being helps to

ensure that, when they step into the classroom, pupils are ready and eager to learn. Lessons are calm and purposeful because pupils are engrossed in their learning."

Martin Banks, Chairman of Governors said: ‘The recognition by Ofsted is a reflection of, and testimony to, the amazing professional and dedicated team at Blackrod Primary School. On behalf of the Governing Body, I would like to congratulate Mrs Mead, the senior leadership team and the whole of our school community for their continued professionalism and effort which has provided this amazing judgement’.