Government inspectors have praised the Rackham Primary School in Witchford as a good school where pupils are happy, motivated to learn and keen to work . The team from the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED) also praised the quality of teaching a

Government inspectors have praised the Rackham Primary School in Witchford as a good school where pupils are "happy, motivated to learn and keen to work".

The team from the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED) also praised the quality of teaching and the leadership of the headteacher at the school in Witchford. They said some aspects of the school's work were "outstanding".

Inspectors said consistently good teaching engaged pupils in their learning. "Staff make skilled use of questioning to draw out pupils' previous knowledge and understanding.

"The teachers and teaching assistants are very positive, which gives pupils the confidence to ask questions and share their ideas. A simple, but effective, system of 'stars and a wish' is used consistently by teachers to praise pupils' achievement and guide them in their next steps," said the inspectors' report.

They particularly praised the school's Early Years Foundation Stage, adding: "The care and guidance children receive is outstanding, ensuring excellent relationships between children and between children and adults."

Pupils in turn were highlighted for their good achievements and excellent behaviour.

"Pupils' excellent personal development and well-being have been sustained since the last inspection. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent and this is reflected in their attitudes and actions.

"Pupils' behaviour in class and around school is excellent; they are polite, thoughtful and considerate. The quality of relationships between all members of the school community is outstanding.

"Pupils apply themselves diligently to their work and most play an active role in the life of the school. There is a strong commitment to giving the pupils many opportunities to participate in the wide range of sports," inspectors said.

"The pastoral care of pupils is excellent and sustained through a strong commitment to the teaching and development of personal, social and health education," they added.

They also praised leadership and management at the school particularly that of headteacher Sid Wales. "The headteacher provides a clear direction for the work of the school. The staff team work very well together, with individual roles and responsibilities clearly defined and understood by all.

"The governing body holds the school to account, challenging and questioning the impact of decisions on pupils' achievement," said the report.

The school was encouraged to raise pupils' attainment to even higher levels, and close the gap between the attainment of boys and girls in the Reception classes.

Headteacher Sid Wales said: "We are delighted by the OfSTED report. It completely backs up our own evaluations. I am extremely fortunate to be the head of a primary school with such outstanding support from everyone concerned with The Rackham C.E.