A PRIMARY school has made giant leaps since its last Ofsted inspection, according to a new report.

Briercliffe Primary School, in Delamere Road, has been praised for raising standards over the last two years.

The report released this week said: "The school has made good improvements to overcome the weaknesses identified at the time of the last inspection in March 2000.

"The head teacher, governors and staff have improved the quality of teaching and standards. Pupils are now achieving more from reception to year two, although there is scope to raise standards further."

English and mathematics for 11-year-olds were said to have improved "at a quicker rate than national trends" and the school was thought to have good provision for children with special needs.

Teaching in years three, four, five and six was deemed 'good' and 'very good' for years one and two.

Pupils were believed to work well with a good attitude to learning and financial management and administration of the school were both praised.

Leadership and management of the school was said to be 'satisfactory' but the report added: "The headteacher and senior staff have led the school successfully through a difficult period. While reacting well to the necessary changes, there has been some reluctance in the past to go out and meet the need for change with rigour and conviction."

While most parents approached by inspectors said their children, like the school the report stated, not all felt they were kept well informed about the school's progress or felt the school worked closely with them.

Other areas identified as needing improvement were mathematics for the under sevens, while 'more able' pupils were not fulfilling their potential in science, geography and history and provision of personal and health education.

Overall, head John Whitham said the governors were 'delighted' with the outcome of the inspection carried out in February.

He added: "The school community has worked hard during the last few years to overcome the problems arising from staff changes, changes in the curriculum and financial pressures and it is a credit to the school that its achievements have been recognised.

"The issues they have asked us to address are already included in the School Development Plan and will enable the school to improve in the years ahead.

"Plans are well advanced for further improvements to be made to school facilities as, during the school holidays the library alterations should be completed and the high classrooms under-drawn to assist those children with hearing difficulties."

Mr Whitham said a Gala to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee was also being organised by the PTA and fundraising events were raising cash for a new library.