A community school has the ‘WOW’ factor, an inspector decided.

Cambridge Road Community Primary and Nursery in Ellesmere Port is celebrating after being declared a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion, the first school in Cheshire West and Chester to achieve the accolade.

Julia Thomas-Haigh, an inspector for both the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) and OFSTED, visited the school in the summer and was ‘extremely complimentary’ about the school.

She wrote in her report: “Cambridge Road Community Primary and Nursery School is a stimulating and exciting school where everyone strives for excellence. Inclusion is at the core of its work and pupils are immersed in motivating initiatives and exciting projects.

“From entering the main entrance, there is a caring and warm ethos that permeates across the whole school. There is a strong belief in enriching lives and making a difference.

“Staff and children seem to look after each other and thrive in such a caring environment, it is a real pleasure to visit.

“I have heard of ‘WOW’ words but this is a ‘WOW’ school.”

The inspector continued: “Across the school, there is a busy working atmosphere with pupils working extremely well together in groups, pairs and individually. Pupils are articulate, courteous and able to talk confidently about their learning.

“During the IQM visit, all pupils displayed impeccable standards of behaviour and learners were polite and well mannered throughout. All of these qualities transfer to classrooms and lessons when pupils are enthusiastic and engaged in their learning.

Pupils are quite rightly extremely proud of their work and school.”

Headteacher Darryl Pickering added: “The award is a well deserved recognition of the efforts from all those involved in the school, students, staff, parents, governors, local businesses and external partners.

“These people ensure Cambridge Road is a place where every student has the opportunity to flourish and be successful.”

Assistant head Irene Martin, who led the IQM application process, added: “We are delighted that Cambridge Road came out so well in the inspection.

“As a school community, we believe that inclusive education involves removing barriers to learning and we pride ourselves in rising to the challenge this entails.”

Chair of governors Ken Salter impressed the inspector, saying: “We are trying to build good all-round citizens for the future.”

The school received the award at a ceremony in London.

It will be on display at the school alongside earlier recognition awarded in 2011.