A PRIMARY school has raised standards and provides satisfactory teaching, but pupils' attainments are still below the national average in some areas, according to Ofsted inspectors.

Staff at St Paul's CE Primary School, Oswaldtwistle, have worked hard to raise standards in writing and science, and teaching of pupils under five was very good, said inspectors.

Head teacher Peter Linley said: "At our previous inspection three years ago, we were ranked bottom out of a group of 15 similar schools in Lancashire, and now we are top of that group.

"There are not many schools that have such a high standard of teaching."

Inspectors found English and mathematics results in National Curriculum tests for 11-year-olds were in line with the national average and science results were above average.

But the attainments of five and seven-year-olds in all three subjects were below the national average.

The report said: "Pupils' attitudes to learning are good throughout the school. Children support each other well and their behaviour is good.

"Although playtimes are lively, pupils play safely, show respect for others and observe the rules."

Inspectors said accommodation was cramped at the Union Road school and the infants' toilets were extremely unsatisfactory and smelly.

Mr Linley said the school had already been given a grant to replace them and the work would be finished before the autumn term starts.

Brian Mayers, chairman of governors, said: "I am pleased with what is, on the whole, a very positive report.

"Everyone at the school will be working hard to raise standards even further."

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