A BLACKBURN primary school has been praised by Ofsted inspectors.

Shadsworth Junior School was described by inspectors as a "good school where pupils are motivated to learn and achieve well in a welcoming, secure and interesting environment".

Government inspectors found that pupils enjoy going to the Arran Avenue school, which has seen steady improvement since the last inspection in 2004, largely thanks to the "excellent leadership" of headteacher Ian Mason, who was appointed three years ago.

As well as academic progress - Year Six national test results have consistently improved, and numbers of pupils reaching the expected standards in maths has risen from 51 to 70per cent - inspectors said there is better behaviour, attendance and capacity to improve further.

The significant improvements means parents are now "overwhelmingly pleased" with the school and the care their children receive.

The report states: "One parent wrote of how proud she was that her children went to Shadsworth Juniors and how much they had grown in confidence."

Inspectors rate the school as "good" in all categories assessed, also praising teaching and the curriculum, and how children understand how to be healthy.

It found it to offer "outstanding" provision in terms of working with other agencies for maximum benefit for the pupils.

Mr Mason said: "It's brilliant when the work of the whole school community is recognised."