FORDHAM Primary School has received a glowing report from a Government inspector who declared the school outstanding . He found it to be a happy and harmonious school, with excellent teaching, whose success stemmed from the outstanding leadership of the

FORDHAM Primary School has received a glowing report from a Government inspector who declared the school "outstanding".

He found it to be a happy and harmonious school, with excellent teaching, whose success stemmed from the outstanding leadership of the headteacher, Kevin Bullock, pictured with pupils.

"Teaching is excellent because lessons are planned very carefully to take pupils' learning forward from whatever level they have reached previously," said the inspector from Ofsted - the Office for Standards in Education.

"Standards are high, often exceptionally so, and pupils make excellent progress.

"Throughout school, exemplary relationships promote a supportive yet challenging learning environment. Adults have extremely high expectations of pupils and ensure they are attentive, actively involved and respond quickly to instructions.

"The combination of excellent literacy, numeracy and personal skills equips pupils exceptionally well for the next stage of education and adult life," said the inspector's report.

"Pupils' personal development, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. The open, caring, encouraging atmosphere, which is central to the school's ethos, is a great strength."

Pupils in turn were praised for their good behaviour. "Behaviour is exemplary and not a moment is lost maintaining discipline in lessons or around the school," said the inspector.

His report said leadership was exceptional at all levels of the school. "At the forefront of the school's success is the outstanding leadership of the headteacher, whose vision and commitment has enabled it to go from strength to strength. The teamwork he encourages is paramount.

"The school's success arises from the remarkably open, caring and respectful ethos that the head, staff and governors have established. They value all pupils and create a nurturing but challenging environment in which all thrive and become very well rounded young people.

"The headteacher, staff and governors have a very clear picture of how well the school is doing, and there is little doubt that it has what it takes to get better still," concluded the report.

The school, which caters for 214 pupils aged between four and 11, was encouraged to improve links between subjects and use ICT more to support pupils' learning.

Headteacher Mr Bullock said: "At Fordham we endeavour to empower every single child and adult with a 'can do' attitude whilst basing our whole school ethos on firm Christian principles.

"One of my main tasks is spotting and exploiting the talents of our excellent staff, governors, supporters, parents and children. My extended role as a leadership/management consultant, for both education and commerce throughout the Eastern region, has certainly helped me to develop my style of leadership.