Praise all round

In her opening remarks on the Tommy Lane school, reporting inspector, Miss K. Manning, said: "The school provides its pupils with a good education. Strong leadership from the headteacher ensures that teachers have the skills and commitment needed to ensure that pupils do their best."

The school was last inspected in 1997 and since then it is said to have "improved at a good rate", with all key issues identified previously tackled successfully.

Miss Manning said: "The school's procedures for assessing and recording what pupils can do are greatly improved. They provide teachers with valuable information that enables them to plan work that meets the needs of all pupils and to let parents know how well their children are doing. Staff and governors now keep a close eye on the quality of teaching and learning.

"Other improvements to the school's provision include a wider and richer curriculum and improved standards in English, mathematics and science. The enthusiasm and willingness with which governors, the headteacher and staff set about this, place the school in a good position to continue to improve."

Academically, Christ Church also scores highly with pupils who, by the end of Year 6, are achieving standards that are "above average" in mathematics and science and "well above average" in English. Results continue to rise with youngsters in Years 2 and 6 out performing their counterparts in similar schools across the country.

Staff and how they teach came in for particular praise. Miss Manning said: "Teaching is good overall and more than a quarter of the lessons were taught very well. There is very good teaching in each of the three stages of education."

Headteacher, Mr David Gerrard, said: "I am delighted with the outcome of the report as it reflects not only the hard work that everyone associated with the school has put in since our last inspection, but also recognises the high standard of teaching at the school."