CONISTON'S village primary is the proud owner of a praise-packed Ofsted report this week.

The government-backed schools inspection service concluded that Coniston CE School was a "good and effective school".

Standards in English and Science were recognised as "above average" and "well above average" in Maths.

Teaching was described as good overall with much very good teaching and some occasionally excellent. "Well above average standards" in art and design also attracted particularly favourable comment from inspectors, who praised "very good enthusiastic teaching" supported by the school's "good use of local artists and artists-in-residence".

Pupils were also congratulated for being "friendly", "well behaved" with "good attitudes to work" and the report noted a "very caring and supportive approach" to pupils' personal development.

The leadership and management of the school was described as good with "good, positive leadership" from head teacher Steven Jackson.

Just two key areas were highlighted for improvement as inspectors wanted to see more consistent use of test results to check on pupils' progress and better provision for the under-fives.

"The contents of the report are very pleasing," said chair of governors Peter Bell. "It reflects the hard work, leadership, dedication of the head, teaching staff and all the support members who produce a lively atmosphere and the right ingredients to help inquisitive young minds develop."

Mr Jackson said he was delighted with the report and thanked all those who supported the school.

June 5, 2003 14:30