AN ‘IMPROVING’ Pendle primary school has been commended by education watchdogs for encouraging community cohesion.

St Philip’s Church of England Primary School, was rated as “good” in every category by Ofsted inspectors after they visited last month.

The result marked a vast improvement for the Nelson school, described as “inadequate” after its prior inspection in March 2008.

Headteacher Kathryn Ellidge said she was “proud” of the result which she put down to hard work by staff, pupils, and parents.

The school which the inspector said has “several outstanding features” is in an area with high levels of social and economic hardship.

In addition the majority of pupils are from minority ethnic heritage and in the early stages of developing English as an additional language.

Staff were given credit for making “important improvements in different areas” and “trying their best” to accelerate pupils’ progress.

Teachers were praised for helping children achieve early learning goals despite many being at the early stages of language acquisition.

The Victorian site has also been adapted into a vibrant learning environment, where pupils of diverse ethnicity work and play in harmony.

According to the inspector pupils acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to become caring and active citizens.

As a result of improvements in teaching as well as a “revitalised curriculum” pupils’ aspirations and expectations are rising.

Mrs Ellidge said the school contains “132 super stars.” She added: “Everybody involved in our school contributed to the judgement.

“As a Church of England school with 93 per cent of our pupils being Muslims everything we do is about community cohesion.

“We have open discussions on all things – the staff and children learn together about living in a multi-cultural community.”

Following an Ofsted inspection in March 2008, the Leeds Road school, was told it required significant improvements.

Inspector Joan Elton said she is satisfied that the school should no longer fall into that category.

Mrs Ellidge vowed the school would carry on improving and said the aim is to achieve an “outstanding” report at the next inspection.