'BUDE Infant School is an outstanding school,' according to OFSTED inspectors, 'where everyone is committed to doing the very best they can for the children.'

School awards such as ArtsMark Gold and Healthy Schools Plus 'provide testament to its high quality educational provision.'

Inspectors saw the school's excellent curriculum securely based on pupils' learning enjoyably, through practical activity but 'underpinned by very careful planning and excellent teaching and learning.'

Teaching assistants were identified for their strong contribution to children's learning especially in raising self esteem in many children. The development of 'superb' outdoor and Forest School learning has brought significant improvements across the school. This was particularly evident in the pupils' self confidence in finding things out for themselves and in their willingness to learn with and from each other.

The inspection team saw 'excellent learning opportunities provided across the school that promoted pupils' great enjoyment of learning and excellent pursuit of healthy lifestyles.'

It was also noted how well children with special educational needs progressed 'paying diligent attention to adult guidance' whilst enjoying the experiences they were given.

Excellent links with pre-school providers and parents made children confident in coming to school and 'strong leadership ensured that children benefited from high quality teaching and attention to their care and welfare.'

The caring ethos of the school was apparently very noticeable throughout the inspection.

The school was very grateful to the parents who provided feedback to Ofsted through questionnaires or who spoke to them during the inspection, often stressing that the school consistently put in that little bit extra to support them especially in the time of need.

The school was obviously still on cloud nine after this Ofsted experience but had to come back down soon as the term was ending within two weeks.

Headteacher Jane Greatbatch said: "I have a startlingly good team around me and such wonderful children ­— this accolade is only what they all deserved!"

A full report will be available soon on the Ofsted website and the school's own website http://www.bude-inf.cornwall.sch.uk">www.bude-inf.cornwall.sch.uk.