A UNIQUE achievement has been made by a Radcliffe primary school.

Chapelfield CP does not have a single weakness - and that's official!

Ofsted inspectors could not find anything wrong with the Clough Street school, and not one single key issue was put forward by the independent assessors.

Instead they only suggested a handful of minor points where they deemed improvements were possible.

These included better involvement of governors in the early stages of school planning, improving the progress in speaking and writing skills of reception class children, and clearer identification of the priorities in the school development plan.

The ethos of the school, its educational standards, teaching methods, pupils' behaviour and the way the school was led generally, all brought glowing praise from the Ofsted team.

In their main findings, the inspectors said that there was a "very good" ethos which reflected the commitment to "high attainment", while the standards of pupils in English, mathematics and science was "above the national average" and "well above" that seen in similar schools. The headteacher was said to lead the school "very well" with pupils given a "safe and caring environment" with "very good support and guidance".

Reporting inspector, Mr Les Garner said: "The many strengths of the school far outweigh the areas for development."

Mr Garner said: "This is a very good school. All staff, teachers and support staff alike, make an important contribution to the caring, supportive and safe atmosphere evident in school. The attainment of pupils is well above that seen in similar schools." The inspectors spoke highly about the standard of teaching and leadership at Chapelfield, stating: "The quality of teaching is very good and this is one of the reasons for the high attainments seen in the school. "

They added: "The headteacher provides strong and resolute leadership and has a positive effect on the direction and ethos of the school.

"He has secured the wholehearted support of a very talented and committed staff and the governing body. Together they have a clear, shared vision of where the school is going which centres on good quality provision and achievement of high standards.

"The emphasis is on attaining high standards of behaviour and high standards in all subjects."

The attitudes, behaviour and personal development of pupils was also praised as was their attendance.

The inspectors felt the curriculum of the school was broadly based and that the overall provision for children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was "very good".

They added: "The very good behaviour in the school comes as a result of a policy that provides a very good framework from which the school teaches pupils the principles of right and wrong and the good relationships evident in school."

Headteacher Mr David Hulmes said: "Chapelfield is a dynamic, vibrant school which provides a broad, exciting curriculum and places a great emphasis on the education of the whole child.

"This is the third time that Ofsted has applauded the school's achievements and naturally I am delighted that they recognise the quality of education that we provide. Staff, pupils and governors should all be proud of this report."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.