STAFF and pupils at a Barnt Green school are celebrating after receiving an outstanding Ofsted inspection.

In the previous inspection, in 2008, St Andrew's First School was rated overall as grade two, which is good in Ofsted’s criteria.

On December 6 and 7 inspectors visited the Hewell Road-based school for the latest inspection.

In the report, that has now been published, inspectors said they found pupils are making outstanding progress and the most able youngsters were reaching remarkably high standards.

The teaching observed was described as outstanding, encouraging pupils to be curious, independent and develop a love of learning.

Pupil's behaviour was seen as outstanding, inspectors saying they had impeccable manners.

Inspectors spoke to the children who said they felt exceptionally safe at the school, and had gained an excellent knowledge of how to keep safe.

Headteacher Kay Cholmondeley was praised for showing very strong leadership and being an outstanding role model as both a leader and teacher.

The inspectors also said actions to improve teaching had been highly successful, so standards continued to rise.

The only areas inspectors pointed out that the school could be improved further was making sure planning and activities used to promote progress of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs in maths was as effective as those used in reading and writing.

The inspectors also added the school's website could be improved slightly so that it contained all the required information for parents.

But overall the school was judged as being grade one, outstanding in the criteria.

Miss Cholmondeley said: “We are very thrilled and it is very pleasing to have the good work of the school recognised.”

To read the full Ofsted report visit ofsted.gov.uk.