LOWTON West Primary School has received glowing praise from government education watchdogs.

Ofsted officials visited the Slag Lane school and looked at everything from standards in the classroom to after-school activities.

In their report, the inspectors judged Lowton West to be an "effective and improving school."

The inspectors said: "Good care is taken to include everyone in the life of the school and this creates a successful climate in which almost every pupil achieves well. Parents are very positive about the school and satisfied with standards of behaviour."

Leadership at the school is praised with headteacher John Howarth described as providing "good and caring leadership."

It is the teaching at Lowton West that comes in for most praise from the Ofsted team with the report: "The main strength of the school is the quality of its teachers."

The standard of teaching in the majority of lessons observed by Ofsted was classed as good or better. Some of the teaching was classed as excellent.

Headteacher Mr Howarth said he was extremely pleased with the Ofsted report, which recognises the high quality of work being done by the teachers, support staff and governors.

He said: "I am delighted that the school has been recognised for the quality of its teaching. A school is only as good as its teachers and at Lowton West we are very lucky to have such a team."

"Their energy and enthusiasm provides an example that creates good attitudes amongst the children and as a result the children are happy and keen to learn. We are grateful for the support from parents, the commitment of our governing body and the hard work of the pupils."