PUPILS at Eardisley Primary School are reminded every day of “friendship, joy and determination” as they walk through a new 'Values Tree' sculpture in their playground.

They are also values that left an impression on OFSTED inspectors who last month praised the pupils’ “excellent attitudes and real thirst for knowledge”.

The children picked the three values for the sculpture themselves, and worked with talented local sculptor Will Carr to create the piece – two ‘Values Trees’ whose branches intertwine to form and arch.

The idea came about, said headteacher Bridget Knight, when some pupils suggested that they wanted something passers-by could see that reflected their values as a school.

She said: “The children were involved the whole way – they made it theirs.

“I am so proud of all the wonderful children, staff, parents and governors; we are all very proud of the wonderful school we have created together.”

Eardisley was graded as ‘Good’ overall, but secured ‘Outstanding’ marks in two of the four sections; behaviour and safety of pupils, and leadership and management.

Lead inspector Geof Timms said: “In all lessons observed pupils were very well behaved and deeply engaged in their work – they show real enjoyment.

“A vast range of imaginative topics support learning and have a positive impact on pupils’ outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.”

A reflection of that ethos, the school’s new sculpture was made possible by a generous donation from the Ernest Cooke foundation.

And the local rector Marcus Small officially unveiled the piece, blessing the sculpture at a ceremony last month.