A VILLAGE primary school has been maintained its Good Ofsted rating.

St. Mary’s C of E Primary School in Fownhope was complimented on its educational standards, behaviour and welfare standards.

The Ofsted visit was the first short inspection carried out since the school was judged to be good in April 2013.

Tim Milne, headteacher, said: "We are so pleased to be awarded Good by Ofsted. We work hard at both ensuring academic standards and nurturing the whole child – giving them opportunities to explore and grow at art, music and sport, as well as thinking for themselves.

"We have a committed team of staff and governors who really care for the welfare of each and every child, and we have great support from the village community. Everyone here has played a part in making the school the success that it is."

The pre-school also received a Good rating.

Jackie Bell, pre-school manager, said: "We are proud of our strong links to the school and local community which allow us to do different things such as the children walking The Tiger Who Came to Tea to the village shop for 'tiger food' and professional dance lessons by The Starlight Company."

The school has maintained its Good quality of education since the last inspection, and teaching has further improved.