A PRIMARY school judged to be failing its pupils by Ofsted inspectors two years ago has been praised for raising standards.

Inspectors have decided Wensley Fold CE Primary School, Manor Road, Blackburn, no longer needs the special measures introduced after a critical report in April 1997.

Governors' chairman Coun Edna Arnold praised headteacher Helen Smith, who led the school until January, and new head Gaynor Stubbs, for their hard work.

She said: "This is a terrific achievement and I have nothing but praise for the way staff, governors, the authority and the parents have worked.

"However, my highest praise is for the children who, as the report says, are one of our greatest assets."

The Ofsted report said standards in literacy at both key stages were sound.

Standards of numeracy remained unsatisfactory but were rising rapidly.

Standards in science were slightly below national expectations but rising.

The quality of teaching is satisfactory or better in all lessons and good in more than half, and the work of support staff is very good. Inspectors said the pupils, aged four to 11, had a very good attitude to learning, high levels of concentration and excellent work habits.

The report said: "The school's atmosphere encourages the pupils to esteem one another, they are trustworthy and honest and treat others with kindness.

"The school's motto is 'Make each day count'. The school successfully makes each day count for its pupils and gives sound value for money. This is a rapidly improving school."

Six out of ten pupils learn English as a second language and the inspectors said more specific teaching was needed by the school's specialist staff instead of general support.

Inspectors said teachers should work to raise standards attained by pupils, especially in English, maths, science and information technology.

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