A NURSERY school found by education watchdogs to have serious weaknesses has experienced a "remarkable" transformation.

Mrs Sheryl Hill, head of Chapels Nursery School in Darwen, is said to have been inspirational in moving the nursery forward since her appointment just after the previous visit by OFSTED inspectors in October 1996.

Other strengths highlighted in their report includes a valuable system for tracking individual pupils' progress, a supportive governing body and well planned environmental improvements to ensure physical needs are met.

The inspectors also praised the way activities are organised with special mention to the Parents as Educators scheme, which has helped many parents play an active role in their children's education at the nursery in Winterton Road.

Weaknesses pinpointed for future action include a need for staff to focus more on developing pupils' speaking skills. Existing guidelines for stretching high achievers requires attention, as does expertise in helping children who have English as an additional language.

It was noted that the school's strengths far outweighed any weaknesses and that headteacher was already taking steps to address those issues.

Mrs Hill said: "I feel very proud to lead such a dedicated and hard working team of staff who have been instrumental in helping me to make many improvements at Chapels."

Chairman of governors David Gavagan added: "We are delighted to receive this positive inspectors' report and we want to congratulate the head and her staff on the excellent progress that has been made."

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