THE arrival of a new head teacher at a primary school will lead to an improvement in the quality of education, according to an Ofsted report.

A group of government inspectors found the strengths of Water County Primary in Rossendale already outweighed any weaknesses.

But they highlighted the arrival of head teacher Keith Parkinson in April as providing the school with a much clearer and focused platform for improvement.

A team of three inspectors said Mr Parkinson and staff at the school had already identified strengths and weaknesses.

The report said: "This, together with the commitment of all staff and governors to raising standards, indicates that the school is now well placed to implement a systematic programme of development that will lead to an improvement in the quality of education provided." The school is praised for its clear direction, ethos and financial planning.

Pupils were found to have very good attitudes to work, be keen to learn and behave very well. The inspectors found attendance levels were good and that children clearly enjoyed going to the school.

Weaknesses highlighted were the school not making good use of available assessment information or marking pupils work to set targets for improvement.

The report found not enough lessons had a brisk pace, high expectations or a good balance of pupil teacher discussion.

Inspectors also criticised the governing body for not being involved enough in setting the priorities of the school or monitoring the progress towards them.

The weaknesses will form the basis of a school action plan.

The report goes on: "The strengths of the school outweigh its weaknesses. It is a welcoming place where everyone is valued and listened to and discussion with pupils clearly shows they love coming to school.

"A good number of effective initiatives have been introduced and this confirms parents' perceptions that the school is constantly improving."

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