STAFF and students at York College are celebrating an outstanding Ofsted judgment.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw, congratulated the college on getting the top rating after a recent inspection.

He said: “The judgment of outstanding means that you are exceptional and significant elements of your work are exemplary.

"I do not underestimate the considerable hard work, expertise and commitment it takes to achieve outstanding provider status.

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on achieving this very high standard of practice.”

Alison Birkinshaw, college principal and chief executive, said: “We know that everyone at York College works extremely hard to make sure students progress as well as they can.

"In light of the Ofsted judgment I must particularly pay tribute to the achievements of students at York College, the tremendous work of all staff, and the support we have received from parents, our local community, partners and employers.”

The college hit the headlines last month when it was found guilty over the death of three-year-old Lydia Bishop.

A jury found York College guilty of failing to ensure children's safety between August 1 and September 18, 2012 and was fined £175,000 plus prosecution costs of £45,453. It had denied the charge.

The nursery was closed immediately after the tragedy and will not reopen.

The Ofsted inspection, which took place in December, prior to the court judgment, meant it became just the fourth general education college in the country to be awarded Outstanding since a notoriously tough new inspection framework came in last September.

The college’s exceptionally positive and productive partnership work with local schools, employers and other organisations across the region also received a special mention, as did the contribution made by students to the local community.

The outstanding care and support provided to students in order to help them reach their full potential was praised during the inspection, and the areas of maths, engineering, hairdressing and beauty therapy, performing arts, visual arts, teaching and lecturing were also all judged to be outstanding.