A SCHOOL has received the highest seal of approval from those who matter most ­— the pupils.

School inspectors found that children love going to St Chad's CE Primary School.

The school in Uppermill is one of a number in the area recently visited by Ofsted

Ofsted carried out a full inspection of the school, described as being at the "heart of the village community", and found it was good in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

Inspectors reported: "Pupils love school.

"They describe their teachers as kind.

"Pupils said staff give them lots of support and encouragement to achieve their very best. Pupils work very well to support each other with their learning."

The school was praised for helping all pupils succeed, including pupils with special educational needs.

"Classrooms are arranged to help all pupils learn. For example, where needed, staff give pupils a quiet working area," said inspectors, who added that pupils achieve "highly" in reading and parents understand the importance of reading with their children at home.

The report added: "The trust places a high priority on staff well-being and staff training. Staff feel valued by leaders. Teachers appreciate the many opportunities they have to attend training and to work across the trust."

A school inspection of Hodge Clough Primary School in Moorside found that it continues to be good.

Ofsted's inspection report opens with the words: "Pupils, staff and governors are proud of this happy and harmonious school. All are welcomed and encouraged to succeed."

Learning was described as fun and teachers help pupils to achieve "well".

The school was said to have "an interesting and well-balance curriculum". And the nursery and reception classes are "bright, welcoming and well resourced" with the very youngest described as "very engaged in their learning".