A Hitchin school’s commitment to creating a harmonious environment has been recognised by a council award.

Highover JMI School and Nursery on Cambridge Road has secured Hertfordshire Healthy Schools Enhanced Status following a visit from the Herts County Council public health team.

The report said the school successfully nurtured the emotional wellbeing of both pupils and staff noting: “We enjoyed our pupil-guided tour.

“We won’t forget sitting outside, doing a guided mindfulness meditation led by two pupils in the glorious sunshine listening to and enjoying the birdsong – serene and very inspiring. A report does little justice to the fabulous practices we witnessed.”

Teacher Gillian Osborne added: “It’s nice to be recognised for the important work we do here.”