A SCHOOL for youngsters with moderate learning difficulties has been praised for its "positive ethos" but told to make improvements.

Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) concluded that the quality of education at North Cliffe Special School in Great Harwood "varied considerably". "On balance there are some satisfactory achievements in aspects of most subjects but standards in science, art and music are poor," concluded the chief inspector, Mr B Colbeck.

North Cliffe takes in pupils from five to 16 mainly from the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley areas.

There are twice as many boys as girls and around a quarter of pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The inspection team also criticised the over-emphasis on worksheets and insufficient practical work and said groupings of children in some classes were inappropriate.

However, it also found plenty of positive aspects to the work of the school.

"The very positive ethos which permeates the life of the school is a major strength," Mr Colbeck added.

"Staff at all levels display a high commitment to forming strong positive relationships with the pupils and to creating an environment where all are valued as individuals."

It added that pupils displayed positive attitudes and a willingness to learn and the school offered a broad curriculum.

Chairman of governors Roy Clarke said: "We are pleased that the positive ethos and good relationships found in our school have been recognised by the inspector. We cater for very special children throughout their school life.

"The report contains a number of recommendations that will help us improve the quality of education provided at North Cliffe School. We will be taking these on board to help us achieve even more in the future."

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