A SEAL of approval has been bestowed on Brunshaw Primary school, Burnley, by Ofsted inspectors.

They describe the 385-pupil primary as an improving school with many strengths, where teachers and support staff work as a team in their commitment to help it achieve its aims.

New headteacher Neil Tranmer provides clear direction and pupils have a good attitude to learning and caring towards each other, says their report. The parents support the aims of the school and hold it in high regard, they add.

The inspectors found satisfactory or better teaching in 90 per cent of lessons they saw, with good or very good in 40 per cent of lessons.

Standards of attainment were above national expectations or in line with them, and pupils made good or sound progress. In less successful lessons, the purpose was unclear and work was not tailored to meet differing needs of pupils.

The school recognised that at present there was no detailed long-term planning and was addressing the problem.

The report identified the need for more books at the school, and it noted that attendance was below national average.

It states the provision for pupils' spiritual, social and cultural development was sound and provision for moral development good.

Mr Tranmer said: "I am delighted the inspection team has acknowledged the hard work of children, staff, parents and governors."

Governors' chairman Stuart Laycock said: "The inspector has recommended a few areas which can be improved further to raise our already high standards and as soon as these have ben discussed we will implement them."

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