CHILDREN at Hartford Manor Primary School are ‘delightful and a credit to their families’ according to an Ofsted inspector.

The school in Stones Manor Lane was inspected on November 21, and the subsequent report has now been published.

The inspector gave a glowing report of the school’s headteacher Simon Kidwell and his staff, saying that the school is being led on a ‘journey towards excellence’.

The inspector, Sheila Iwaskow, also made a point of congratulating the school and parents on such ‘delightful’ children.

Ms Iwaskow said: “Pupils are delightful and a credit to the school and their families. As we toured the school, I observed happy, confident pupils who are keen to learn.

“Pupils were very keen to talk to me. They clearly contribute to decision-making in the school and relish the responsibilities you give them as members of the school council, sports ambassadors and safety councillors.”

The school retained its ‘Good’ rating.

Headteacher Simon Kidwell told the Guardian that the close relationship with parents and the community is helping to maintain the high standards at Hartford Manor.

Mr Kidwell said: “We’re delighted with it. It’s really pleasing that it reflects well on everyone – the children, the parents, the staff and the governors. It shows real strength in depth in all areas of the school.

“We want to make sure we have the best possible curriculum here and make sure our children leave the school with the right academic skills in key areas like maths and English, but also leave brimming with confidence and ambition.

“In regards to the comments about the children – I totally agree. We’re so lucky to work in a community like this. The children behave well and work hard. We’ve got a great partnership with the parents. They’ll tell us when we’re doing well and also when we can do things better and that communication is working really well for us.”