Children from Worlingham Primary School are celebrating after receiving an outstanding result in their church schools inspection.

The principal objective of the National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools report (SIAMS) is to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of a school as a church school.

Worlingham Primary has developed a strong partnership with Worlingham Church and the Rev Suzie Ellis, with a special sanctuary area open in the school for religious education lessons.

Children are also able to use it to sit for quiet reflection time and explore the Bible in various ways if they wish to.

The report said: 'The headteacher, staff and governing body strongly support the school's Christian foundation and values. These are further supported by the incumbent and promoted in the teaching, learning and care provided for every child.

'School council members value being able to add their own ideas to making things good and particularly being involved in leading and contributing to collective worship.'

Mrs Ellis works with RE co-ordinator Michelle Wood on a regular basis and said it was wonderful to have such a strong connection with the school.

She said: 'I am made so welcome and I feel part of the team. We have planned a lot of things together and we bounce lots of ideas off each other.'

Vicky O'Brien, headteacher at the school in Garden Lane, said: 'I am delighted. I think its a true reflection of what we are doing and shows the strong link that we have with the church and the reverend. It reflects the care that is central to everything we do here.

'The children here are happy and happy children learn.'