CHILDREN at a primary school are all smiles — because they know the secret of happiness.

St Catherine's School has been judged as an outstandingly happy school after a visit by the happiness inspector.

The primary school in Horwich along with neighbouring Claypool Primary School — which has also be judged to be an outstandingly happy school — have put wellbeing lessons on to the timetable to ensure there is a 'ripple of positivity' throughout the school.

They school worked with Andy Cope form Art of Brilliance to ensure children are happy and confident to deal with any challenges arise — and comfortably leave their comfort zone.

Karen Graham, headteacher of St Catherine's Primary School explained: "The children learnt that 98 per cent of the population sit in their comfort zone by playing it safe, putting things off, want to be like everyone else and ultimately settle for less. The other two per cent of the population like to get the most out of life, they choose happiness and embrace the unknown.

"They were taught how to be a 'two per cent-er' and be the best version of them that they could be by being happy, looking for the positives and act in spite of fear."

They learned tips to gauge how bad a situation really is on a scale of one to 10 and always looks for the positives, for example if they do bad in a spelling test, it is not the end of the world and that with practise they can turn the situation around and do well on the next test.

Mrs Graham said: "The children shared the message by holding a whole school assembly and visiting all the classes in school and played games, acted out dramas and held quizzes to share their learning and the message of the importance of being a brilliantly happy person.

"This term each class has a yellow emoji cushion which is awarded daily to the person in class who has been brilliantly courageous and overcome a challenge.

"This is all helping them to understand the importance of being a happy two percent-er and the impact this has on others and to reflect quickly to see that things aren't quite as bad as it seems, thinking of a way of being it better next time and not giving up."

Karen Smith, class teacher, said: "The amazingly, brilliant children have worked so hard this year. They have risen to every challenge they have been presented with, showing a resilience and determination we are all extremely proud of. They have set a fine example of how much you can achieve if you have a positive attitude."