A RUNCORN school in one of the town’s most deprived areas has been hailed ‘outstanding’ for the second time in an Ofsted inspection.

The achievement, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching, leadership and management were all top-rated at Windmill Hill Primary School.

Its Forest School which has sculptures, musical instruments, a tree house and an amphitheatre was described as a ‘magical place to learn’ by Ofsted inspectors.

All the children have exciting and challenging lessons in the open air at least once a week and the impact on achievement has been astounding.

Head teacher Joy Johnson said: "It is a tribute to the staff, governors and community that we have achieved this rating from Ofsted.

“All staff work extremely hard to ensure that the children have the very best experiences and thrive within the school environment.”

She was commended for even making improvements since the school was  Kaci Jones, aged eight celebrat delared ‘outstanding’ seven years ago.

Inspectors said she ‘has a determination to continually improve the school and make sure the needs of pupils were at the heart of everything they do.”

Every pupil has French, drama, dance, music and sport tuition each week from professional providers.

There is a free breakfast club, lunchtime club and after school provision.

The school has also recently been reaccredited with the Gold Investors In People Award, meeting 137 evidence requirements to get the accolade from Investors in People North West.

The Investors in People report said the school was 'exceptional ' with a commitment to go the extra mile for its children.

Halton Cllr Ged Philbin, board member for children, said: "The atmosphere created is magnificent.

“The facilities they offer the pupils means they leave with all the advantages a school can give and the characteristics to enable them to succeed in later life.

“To achieve all this despite the numbers of children on pupil premium and those supported with special needs is all the more remarkable.”

Gerald Meehan, the council’s strategic director for children, said he was very impressed with the school and its ethos.

He said: "The report said the quality of teaching seen over time was outstanding, resulting in the pupils' high quality subject knowledge and skilled assessment of how pupils are learning.”