AE:ja@nqmids.co.uk:JANE ABBOTT

INSPECTORS have awarded a Kidderminster infant school top marks for excellence - and failed to find any areas where it could do better.

The Ofsted team praised Franche Community First School for providing high quality education.

The inspectors did not find any areas which could be improved beyond those already featured by the school in its "excellent school improvement plan".

Headteacher Val Weddell-Hall said: "This is an outstanding report which recognises work of children, parents and staff.

"We are delighted that Ofsted has highlighted both the strength of teaching and the wonderful support of parents.

"Our report celebrates our 'can do' culture and the support we receive from everyone in school, our local education authority and the community in our drive to make our school 'simply the best.' "

The report said pupils achieve standards "well above" national expectations for nine-year-olds in English, science and maths, with a third working at levels expected of 11-year-olds.

The wide range of activities available was praised and the way in which pupils are taught in ability groups was commended.

The quality of teaching was highlighted as a significant strength of the school, as was the standard of leadership, level of care and links with parents.

The inspectors added: "The pupils are a credit to themselves, their school and their parents."

Of Mrs Weddell-Hall, they said: "The headteacher's leadership is inspirational and she is dynamic and tireless in creating her vision."