A SMALL rural community school has been praised by government inspectors as being good enough for their own children.

The inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education said 75-pupil Nether Kellet Primary School, near Carnforth, was a school that took good care of its pupils.

Head teacher Sue Jobbins said she was delighted the hard work of everyone in the school had been recognised.

She said: "The inspection team told us they would have been very happy for their own children to attend our school. I do not think we could have had higher praise than that."

The inspectors highlighted the school's main strengths and weaknesses: l Above average standards in science at seven and 11 years old.

l Impressive performance in reading and maths from the seven-year-olds.

l Very good pupil attendance, work attitudes, behaviour and relationships, l Good teaching and assessment procedures.

l Very good management.

l Well developed numeracy skills.

l Unsatisfactory physical education at pre-nursery level.

l Weak speaking skills which held back writing standards.

The report said there was not enough large playground equipment to develop children's strength, mobility and stamina.

It noted the school had gone through a tough time in the spring and summer of 2003 due to staff leaving unexpectedly, including an experienced teacher.

However, the inspectors said "there is a very positive ethos that promotes an excellent atmosphere for learning".