Don Valley MP and Minister for Housing, Caroline Flint dropped into Hatfield Woodhouse Primary School to meet headteacher Maggie Blount and to be interviewed by year six pupils, Dale Smith and Alex LeVoguer.

Ms Flint gave an exclusive interview to the school's budding newshounds after a tour of the school.

She told the Gazette: "Headteacher Maggie Blount and chair of governors Debbie Twell have ensured that at Woodhouse Primary high standards go hand in hand with enjoyment and an enriched curriculum.

"The school reporters are just one way that older pupils are given extra responsibilities in school.

"The school has an IT suite with 30 computers, interactive whiteboards in every classroom, great foundation stage facilities and benefited from two new classrooms a few years ago. But it is what the school does with this investment that has made the difference.

"Mrs Blount has ensured that Woodhouse Primary goes the extra step to widen pupils' horizons, such as paying for an artist in residence for a week; building a trim trail and creating a Mediterranean garden.

"The school's Ofsted report identified the school as 'outstanding'. Everything I have seen confirms this assessment.

"I hope Doncaster MBC makes the most of the expertise of Mrs Blount in spreading best practice to other primary schools."

Mrs Blount added: "It is great to have the work of our school acknowledged by a member of the Cabinet and the pupils to have gained from the opportunity to speak to Ms Flint in person."