STAFF have been praised at the highest level after turning around an underachieving school in less than two years.

The chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson was impressed by the way dedicated teachers improved standards at St Nathaniel's Primary School in Platt Bridge.

The 106-pupil strong school on Barton Street had been under special measures after failing targets when it was inspected just under two years ago.

But the parents and staff were celebrating this week when the special measures tag -- given to struggling schools in a bid to boost performances -- was lifted by the education watchdog Ofsted.

Improvements at the school were highlighted in a report by the Chief Inspector of Schools which was presented to parliament this week.

Headteacher Barry Foster said: "We are delighted with the news. All the people involved with the school -- the children, teachers, staff, parents and governors -- have worked very hard. "

Being in special measures meant that every term Government inspectors came to check the school was improving the quality of education.

Mr Foster said: "The teachers had to have an action plan. Government inspectors came in every term to check it was being followed.

"All sorts of things have changed. The level children are achieving in tests has greatly improved." The quality of lessons and teaching as has also improved and there is a much better environment in the school."

If the school had failed to improve to the satisfaction of Government inspectors, the present governing body would have been replaced by a Government-appointed body and sweeping changes to the school would have been made.

Rev Kevin Crinks, chair of governors, added: "The school has made remarkable progress in the last few years. The Governors would like to thank the headteacher, staff, parents and children for working so hard to bring real improvements to our school."