BARDEN Junior School, Burnley, has been commended in an Ofsted for its progress following a bad report four years ago.

The glowing report follows the damming inspection in November 1999 which said the school was failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education.

Substantial improvements were identified during Ofsted follow-up visits in 2000 and February 2003 which have continued at good pace.

The key improvements: teaching was sound and is now good; pupils are now grouped in ways that allow more flexible approaches; teaching support for pupils for whom English is a second language is better; there is more parental support; improvements have been driven by clear leadership and good management

In the report inspectors said the school is very good in proving personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

The report said it was a major strength of the school. It went on: "In particular, pupils are genuinely interested in and respectful of the similarities and differences between the ways in which the religious beliefs of people shape their lives."

Mr Simon Smalley, headteacher, said: "The pupils, staff and governors have all worked tremendously hard and fully deserve this excellent Ofsted report.

"The substantial improvement made since our last inspection have been recognised and everyone connected with Barden Junior School is determined to ensure that we maintain the high standards we set ourselves."