LEONARD Stanley pupils have started 2019 celebrating two votes of confidence in their school.

Efforts of the school's staff and pupils - along with the support of the PTFA and parents - have had their efforts ecognised by achieving ‘Good’ status from it’s Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) and a proud and continued ‘Good’ school status from Ofsted in December.

Acting Head Teacher Andrew Babbage, who was praised by Ofsted for his leadership and clear guidance to staff, is very happy.

He said: "I am immensely proud to be part of such a great school family and team of staff.

"Both judgements are a great reflection of our school - everyone is very focussed and committed in making it a fabulous place for our children to learn."

Thanks to its PTFA, 2018 also saw the school purchase a whole host of equipment, trips and resources, such as a new pool shower, playground markings, coaches to take the pupils to the pantomime production of Dick Whittington at the Roses Theatres and Y6 PGL, litter pick equipment, outdoor classroom roof, and school garden tools.

The school has also got iPads for students, made possible by fundraising at its fireworks.

That is despite fraudsters using fake money to rip the school off - but pupils and parents had their "faith and humanity" when two local businesses, Marsh Garage and Wavelength Recruitment, donated the lost £260 each.