A VILLAGE school has been named as one of the best in the county after being awarded a ‘gold’ Lancashire Behaviour Quality Mark.

Belthorn Academy Primary School underwent a one-day assessment by a Lancashire County Council inspector Lorrimer Russell Hayes.

The school has become one of around 40 schools out of more than 480 in Lancashire to be given the award.

The member of the behaviour assessment team visited the school to observe lessons, spend time in the playground and dinner hall, discuss behaviour with pupils and staff and look at the school’s behaviour policy and procedures.

Melanie Egan, deputy head teacher, said the award is something everyone at the school has worked hard for.

She said: "It shows we work really hard.

"It has taken us a few years to get this, there are lots and lots of criteria to meet.

"We're only a little village school, it is amazing the support we have had from parents.

"We have children as young as three or four and the children were well-behaved throughout the school.

"It's important they learn about these things from a young age.

"It was a real team effort and we're so proud of them all.

"It is outstanding for us."

The school in Belthorn Road has 188 pupils who attend.

Staff said inspectors were pleased by the behaviour of children when teachers were not watching, as sometimes this is where 'children slip up'.

The school also recently held a 'good work assembly' to honour children for what they have done.

Staff videoed the assembly and said inspectors contacted them about using the footage as an example of a school's good behaviour.

County Cllr Susie Charles, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: "We are proud to recognise the excellent behaviour of pupils at Belthorn Academy Primary School by awarding them a Gold Standard.

"The county council is always keen to recognise positive action and behaviour in our schools, and this accolade is an example of that.

"Well done to everyone who has played a part in this thoroughly deserved achievement , especially the pupils themselves."

The Lancashire Behaviour Quality Mark can be achieved at gold or silver standard.

It is a process of external accreditation that provides schools with an evidenced benchmark of their school's performance in all aspects of behaviour in school.

Inspectors look at seven key areas including school policy, attitudes to learning, conduct around school and safety.