HARD-WORKING staff at Walton High School have been praised by OFSTED inspectors.

The Nelson school has been under the scrutiny of a team of 12 who watched teachers at work in 195 lessons.

They were pleased to see pupils gain a sense of achievement by being involved in planning their work and complimented teachers for bringing the best out of their charges.

However, tight finances at the school means that there are not enough books and the library is too small and poorly stocked.

The inspectors said headteacher David Farrant provided strong and effective leadership.

Mr Farrant said: "We welcome the recommendations of the report. In our pursuit of educational excellence there will always be areas for development and growth.

"Some of these are dependent on the level of resources allocated to the school. We shall continue to make the best use of the resources available."

He added he was pleased that both the summary and full report by the inspectors recognise many of the positive features of the school and had described Walton as having good, well-organised teaching.

"At a time when there is considerable public discussion about schools and moral values, it is noteworthy that the report states the school is highly effective in promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and the excellent support received from parents and governors," he said.

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