STAFF and children at St Lawrence Primary School received a special present as they broke up for Christmas in the form of a glowing report flagging up “outstanding” leadership, rooted firmly in Christian values.

The report followed a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools inspection of the Alton school on December 6.

In particular it flagged up that “the headteacher provides outstanding leadership and, together with senior leaders, consistently articulates and lives out a vision for the school that is rooted firmly in their distinctively Christian values”.

“This Christian distinctiveness is threaded seamlessly through the leaders’ work, the curriculum and the work of pupils and staff, stemming strongly from the core values.........of love, compassion and respect,” the report went on.

The report continued: ‘The genuinely warm and caring relationships modelled by staff to pupils and each other encourage pupils to show utmost consideration and courteousness to everyone, without being prompted.”

In a letter to headteacher Dawn Casson, the director of education for the diocese of Winchester, Jeff Williams, extended his congratulations to Mrs Casson, her staff and governors, for the “leadership and commitment” given to the school and community, as acknowledged and celebrated by an outstanding SIAMS inspection grade and report.

He added: “This is a fantastic achievement and I would like to thank you for the work and energy you tirelessly give to provide a broad and deep experience for the children in a church school.

“This is equally true for all who work and support the school and the report rightly draws attention to the values that underpin all you do and are in your setting.”

Collective worship crusaders are pictured at St Lawrence Primary School celebrating their outstanding Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools report.