OFSTED inspectors gave a Bacup primary school a plan to help it improve.

During a recent visit, St Mary's RC in Tong Lane, was given an overall rating of satisfactory by inspector Dave Byrne.

He reported to staff and children that most of the time, their behaviour was excellent.

He said: "Judging by your enthusiasm for sport and desire to eat sensibly, you know how to keep healthy.

"You clearly have a great pride in your school and we were impressed by the way you held doors open for others and took care of each other.

"Although you all make progress in lessons, we feel that standards could be better."

He suggested pupils needed to improve in maths and science, and asked teachers to make better use of marking to show pupils how to improve.

He found children entered the school with skills and knowledge considerably below national average.

The school was praised for gaining the Eco Award and what pupils were doing for the environment.

The school might receive a monitoring visit before its next inspection.