A HEADTEACHER has praised pupils and teachers at a Rossendale primary school after it received a good Ofsted report.

Headteacher of Crawshawbooth Primary School, Paul Gabriel, said everyone involved can feel very proud.

Crawshawbooth was deemed 'an effective school' that provides 'a good quality of education' while delivering 'very good value for money'.

It was also found to have made good all round improvement since the last inspection, by the Ofsted team that visited during November 2003.

The Ofsted team led by Dr Alan Jarvis found that the 'headteacher and senior staff provide a good lead' and that the 'governing body plays an effective role'.

Mr Gabriel said this has led to 'a clear programme for development centred on challenging pupils through innovative teaching.' Teachers and teaching assistants came in for praise. Teaching is considered good overall with some very good and excellent teaching. Teachers have 'high expectations of what pupils should be able to do and of their behaviour.'

Teaching assistants play an effective role in classes with all abilities of children.

But the report stressed that, through no fault of the school, the outside accommodation needs improving in order to enhance the curriculum. The Governors are looking into ways this might be achieved.

Mr Gabriel said: "Everyone at the school has worked really hard to achieve this. Visitors to the school always comment on the friendly atmosphere and welcome that they receive and it was gratifying that the Ofsted team picked up on this as a major strength."