Staff at St Bede CofE Primary Academy understand the role of parents and the community in young children’s lives, and this was something that particularly impressed the judges.

“We want to recognise our amazing parents and what they do to support us,” said a spokesperson for the school. “The ties we have with our parents are key to our success. We are very much a big family, celebrating their successes as well as our own.”

While staff admit that their school, in Greater Manchester, may not be big, shiny and new, they take pride in having “a heart that beats strong to support the families and children”.

The school supports children to choose activities “according to their own interests”, while guiding and extending their play, and providing resources that offer varied degrees of challenge to cater for each level of learner.

Enhancements are added to the environment following reflection upon children’s needs and interests.

With a school vision of “learning, caring, growing together”, the team says it will “move mountains” to ensure the children’s interests, wellbeing and emotional development are at the fore.

“Their smiles are why we come to work and why we love what we do,” added the school spokesperson. “Our team works very hard to ensure the children of our community have the best possible start on their educational journey but also making sure their wellbeing is a key priority.”

Judge Eunice Lumsden said: “One of the special features of your submission was the recognition and understanding of the role of parents and the community in young children’s lives. Your empathy, care, compassion and aspiration shone out.”