DESPITE only having two days warning of an Ofsted inspection, a St Albans primary school was rated outstanding in nearly every area of work. Abbey JMI in Grove Road had its first inspection in three years on September 25 and although staff only learned a

DESPITE only having two days warning of an Ofsted inspection, a St Albans primary school was rated outstanding in nearly every area of work.

Abbey JMI in Grove Road had its first inspection in three years on September 25 and although staff only learned about it two days earlier, everyone pulled together for the visit.

And the result was a glowing report which praised both pupils and staff, particularly the head Libby Grundy.

The report said that her determined and strong leadership was at the heart of the school's success and she had developed a strong staff team who were always looking for ways to improve achievement and make school life more exciting.

The pupils were described as, "tremendous ambassadors for the school" who in turn gained much from stimulating lessons and a wide range of interesting activities both during and beyond the school day.

The inspection team also made the point that there was no complacency at Abbey JMI and everyone was striving to make the school even better. The report adds: "This is a school that knows how well it is doing and where it's going. Its future is in very safe hands."

Mrs Grundy said it was wonderful to have official recognition for all the hard work and progress since the last inspection.

She added: "However, for me, the highlights of the Ofsted experience were the children themselves who were enthusiastic ambassadors for the school on the day and all the staff, old and new, who worked together as a fantastic team on the two days leading up to the inspection and the very positive feedback from parents to the inspection team."

She added that the inspection had left Abbey JMI tired but, "happy and very proud of our school".

Blob* Children from Abbey JMI have joined forces with award-winning fashion shop The Dressing Room to produce a reusable eco-friendly shopping bag at a time when St Albans is considering going plastic bag free.

The school's eco bag, which is one of its Green Scene initiatives, was designed by Ellen Smith of Year Six and Olivia Hardy of Year Four who won a competition.

Mrs Grundy said: "The children were really keen on this idea which is part of the school's busy Green Scene programme.

"The bag looks great and we are very grateful to The Dressing Room for supporting the school and helping us afford to produce this wonderful bag, the proceeds of which will go towards funding other green projects at the school."

Abbey bags are on sale in the school office.