STAFF at a Whitefield school with a significantly high number of pupils with special needs were praised for raising confidence and self-esteem.

A team of inspectors from Ofsted - the Office for Standards in Education - highlighted the quality of teaching at Mersey Drive CP School as "good".

It stated: "Staff are particularly good at supporting pupils with special educational needs, they are empathetic to their personal sensitivities and handle them well."

The quality of teaching was found to have "improved overall" since the last inspection in 1995 with teaching in all lessons "satisfactory" or better.

Educationally, the team also found positive results.

The headteacher, senior managers and governing body were praised for providing a clear direction for the school which had contributed "significantly" to improvements since the last inspection.

However, failure to meet the the needs of higher attaining pupils was a weakness in many lessons, particularly at Key Stage 2.

Key weaknesses highlighted were information technology, matching pupils' work to their needs, analysing test results and the lack of a long-term financial plan.

In the nursery and reception classes children under five made "satisfactory progress" in all areas. Elsewhere, pupils made "sound progress" in all areas except information technology where attainment was "below expected levels".

Key Stage 1 results had improved steadily over the past four years, with most pupils reaching expected levels in English, mathematics and science by the end of Year 2.

However, due partly to a transient population, these standards were not always sustained at Key Stage 2, with the percentage of pupils reaching expected levels by the time they leave the school rising and falling from year to year.

The report stated: "The headteacher cares passionately for his pupils, and works hard to ensure that they receive the best education possible, particularly those with special educational needs.

"He is dedicated and sincere in his caring attitude and believes that every child has the right to succeed."

"They have very caring natures, respect for pupils, and a genuine belief that all pupils have the right to succeed. They foster effective relationships with pupils, building their belief in themselves."

Headteacher Mr Chris Riley commented: "We are all proud of what the school has achieved since its first inspection. Despite funding cuts and a reduced staff, we have made significant improvements.

"The key to our success has been teamwork involving pupils, parents, staff, governors and the LEA. Our report will help us to raise standards further. We do not intend to rest on our laurels."

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