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Judging a book by its cover may not be advisable, but it so happens that Amotherby Community Primary School is every inch as good as it looks.

Set in enviable grounds with lots of interesting play equipment, it is a high-achieving primary school with a wonderful atmosphere. And books, come to mention them, are top of the popularity list with pupils.

They were recently visited by Maltese author Saviour Pirotta, and seven-year-old Class 3 pupils William Huddie, Charlotte Cockerill and Ellie Smith were impressed.

"He told us some funny stories and one was called Snacking on the Bus, which was actually about his grandma," said Charlotte.

The school's library is one of their favourite places. "It's good because there's fiction and non-fiction and lots of different types of books," said Ellie, whose favourite author is Roald Dahl.

"I like the library lots and there are things to do on the computer which are really interesting like programme-making," added William, who likes Dick King-Smith books.

This year, the children have been taking part in a 100 Reads challenge. Headteacher Bob Audsley explained: "Since October they've have been filling in a chart for every time they read to their parents for a sustained amount of time.

"Once they've reached 100 I congratulate them and give them a special book mark."

He added: "Some children have actually reached 200, which means they must have been reading almost every day, and that's the great thing - so many of the children have become regular readers through this scheme."

The school's reputation for high standards accounts for the number of children attending from outside the catchment area - around 70. They come from as far away as Salton, Barton-le-Street, Broughton and Coneysthorpe.

In total, there are 176 pupils in six classes, and in some cases children applying to the school are disappointed.

Mr Audsley said it is a fine balancing act keeping the numbers at the right level with a popular school. "You wear several hats in this job," he said. "One is in the classroom as a teacher, and you don't want 30-odd children in each class. But, if they were all in the mid-20s, we wouldn't get the money to be able to provide all the staff we do, so it's a fine balancing act."

More staff means a wealth of activities are available at the school and each class has its own teaching assistant. Clubs include football, cricket, kick-boxing, cookery, a news group, golf, netball and walking, plus a school orchestra.

Health is also important, and a large percentage of the children take the healthy cooked school dinners on offer.

This term, deputy headteacher Jenny Newton has launched a Park and Stride scheme, encouraging children to walk to school.

"Because we have a lot of children who come from other villages, they can't walk to school," explained Mr Audsley. "But local pubs and businesses are allowing us to use their car parks so that parents can park and lead a walking bus of children to school." They aim to do 50 walks to school per term.

Mr Audsley, who has been at the school for 18 years, added: "We place a lot of importance on the well-being and personal development of the children.

"For the past 12 years we've done SAT exams and done pretty well at them. We're one of the top schools in Ryedale. But we don't just slavishly do revision. If you speak to the kids they would be positive, say that they are happy and they enjoy coming to school."

And it's not just the children. Admin manager Shirley Collier said: "It's a lovely place to work, really friendly. We always try to give people as warm a welcome as possible."

Mr Audsley added: "It's no coincidence I've stayed here for 18 years, I love it."

Perhaps the best description of the school's ethos, though, comes from a recent Ofsted report. It said: "Pastoral care is exceptional and it can be seen leading to pupils' outstanding personal development and well-being and in the excellent maturity and responsibility pupils show towards one another and the community."

4:02pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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