A DORCHESTER school has further cause for celebration after being rated as ‘outstanding’ by a team of special inspectors.

Manor Park CE (VC) First School was given full marks in a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), which focuses on the effect that the Christian ethos of a church school has on the children and young people who attend it.

The report is a further endorsement for a school that also received an ‘outstanding’ rating in its last Ofsted inspection.

SIAMS Inspector Andrew Rickett recognised that the school’s Christian values were linked to its seven citizenship values that, along with its learning values, underpin teaching and learning.

He said: “They contribute to the children’s attainment which is above national expectations for the majority of children.” Mr Rickett went on to add: “Relationships throughout the school are excellent and characterised by a mutual respect and care for one another whether you are a child or adult.”

Headteacher Melanie Cridland said she was delighted with the inspection report and thanked all those involved with the school, adding that the children deserved ‘great credit’.

She said: “We are extremely pleased that the hard work of staff, children and governors has been acknowledged.

“The inspection process and objectives are now tougher than they were five years ago yet we have achieved an outstanding grade. “I am particularly pleased that the inspectors noted the contribution made by our children, their excellent attitudes and respect they have for everyone regardless of their faith or background.

“They deserve great credit for their hugely positive contribution to the inspection throughout the day. I should also like to thank parents and governors who took the time to speak to the inspector expressing their overwhelmingly positive views of our school.”

The school’s chairman of governors Mike Harries added: “I am delighted that the way we work as a school has been recognised in this way by an external inspector.”