STAFF, parents and pupils at a Sale-based Christian school are celebrating after receiving a glowing report from Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Christ the King School in November last year and returned complimentary findings about the institution's provision of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and pupils' outstanding behaviour.

The independent day school with a roll of 52 pupils aged four to 16 was said to provide an effective education for its pupils' while it had several outstanding features.' Pastor Tom Giles, the school council chairman, said: "We were very pleased to have Ofsted confirm that we are achieving what we set out to, namely to deliver a rounded, high quality education in a context of Christian values and beliefs.

"I also warmly endorse the report's strong commendation of the head, other staff and parent volunteers."

Christ the King School is owned and managed by the South Manchester Christian Fellowship (SMCF) and shares a building with the group on Raglan Road.

Ofsted praised its strong Christian values' which it said enabled pupils to develop clear notions or right and wrong.' It also highlighted the hard working and committed approach of the staff and the involved role of parents although noted that with some parents taking on a teaching capacity that not all staff had undergone the appropriate checks by the Criminal Records Bureau.

Despite the small size of the school, its contribution to the community was also commended, with reference made to fundraising activities and the staging of successful musical and dramatic events.

Inspectors recommended that in order to comply with Government regulations the school should aim to plan lessons to make effective use of time, undertake a practical assessment for practical activities in science and implement appropriate action and ensure all staff are subject to a CRB check.

lroberts@messengergrp.co.uk