AN Easter parade and a cracking Ofsted report put a spring in the step of these youngsters as they hopped into the holidays.The congratulatory comments from government inspectors topped off a busy term at Ormesby Village Infant School - while children's tresses were topped by blooming bonnets brimming with home-made decorations.

AN Easter parade and a cracking Ofsted report put a spring in the step of these youngsters as they hopped into the holidays.

The congratulatory comments from government inspectors topped off a busy term at Ormesby Village Infant School - while children's tresses were topped by blooming bonnets brimming with home-made decorations.

The hat parade saw many of the 113 children pulling out all the stops, chiming with Ofsted's judgement that children enjoy school and are proud of their achievements - earning an “outstanding” score under the title “how well learners enjoy their education”.

Meanwhile the school was garlanded with “goods” in virtually all other areas, delighting staff who provide a lively and relevant curriculum.

Following the two-day inspection Ofsted also applauded the school for its progress and for the rapid improvements children made in their work.

Overall the report classes the school as “good” and pays tribute to the “strong and skilful” leadership of headteacher Lucy Bates, achieved against a background of reorganisation.

She said: “We always celebrate Easter in some way for the children, but it was especially important for us to give them a treat this year to thank them for helping us achieve our wonderful Ofsted report at the end of February.

“We are so delighted that the report highlights the children's respect and understanding for each other.

“We are proud of the significant improvements that have been made since the last inspection in July 2005, particularly with regard to the quality of teaching and learning and assessment across the school.

“All the children make equally good progress whatever their starting points. We increase the number of more able children as they move through the school, but also support very effectively children with learning difficulties so that some make exceptional progress.

“We are a school that passionately believes every child matters and the report confirms this emphatically.”

Lead inspector Jill Bavin told the children in a letter: “You told me how much you enjoy school and I can understand why you and your parents think it is good.

“I agree with you.

“You can help your teachers by carrying on behaving as well as you do now. I hope you always enjoy learning so much.”

Amelia Rees, seven, took first prize in the Easter bonnet parade for her handiwork transforming a shoebox into a colourful hat, with ribbons, chicks and flowers.

More pictures of Easter fun from around the borough next week!