ALDERCAR Infant and Nursery School has been given a glowing report by government inspectors.
The school, in Godkin Drive, Langley Mill, was marked as 'outstanding' overall – the top mark available – by Ofsted following a visit in May.
The quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, leadership and management and achievement of pupils were all given the 'outstanding' accolade.
Inspectors, who observed 17 lessons during their visit, said: "Pupils make outstanding progress, often from very low starting points.
"Teachers and teaching assistants inspire pupils and build on their natural curiosity about the world.
"Teachers almost always pitch the work at exactly the right level for every pupil."
Inspectors also found pupils always try their best, behaviour is outstanding, carefully planned lessons allow excellent opportunities for pupils to develop reading, writing and number skills, and disabled pupils or those with other special educational needs are very well taught and are fully included in the life of the school.
Headteacher Gayle Shiels said: "We're all absolutely delighted to have gone from a 'good' rating last time to an 'outstanding' one this time.
"It's a fantastic achievement for the whole team, the children and our parents. As the report states, we believe everyone at Aldercar Infant and Nursery School is 'a star' and we'll continue to work together to make sure every child does the very best they can."