AN Atherton school has become the first primary school in the borough to be awarded the Artsmark, the Arts Council's seal of approval for educational commitment to the subject.

Yesterday, representatives from Hindsford CE Primary School were at a ceremony in Manchester, where the school's approach to the teaching of art and design, music, dance and drama was recognised.

The aim of Artsmark is to encourage schools to improve the standard of arts and Hindsford incorporates arts into subjects across the curriculum -- even history and science. The school has also taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by the government's SRB4 (Single Regeneration Budget) Opportunities4Excellence programme. Several arts projects have been co-ordinated by and funded through the programme, including the library, authors and artists-in-residence, and dance club.

The school also reflects Hindsford's involvement in the arts -- the recently launched library structure, created by north west metalwork sculptor Noah Rose, is a registered piece of art. Classroom walls and surfaces are crowded with examples of the children's arts, craft and written work, and children have visited galleries and theatres.

Headteacher Lyndsey Apps said: "We are delighted at receiving the Artsmark, because we really do value the involvement of the arts in the education and development of children. We look forward to inviting the assessors back again next year as we aim to achieve an even higher standard."