A SCHOOL that cares has received warm praise from independent inspectors.

The Ofsted team sent to look around Sunny Bank Primary in Bury found plenty to please them, confirming not only that the school is providing a good education for youngsters, but is also an improving one.

Registered Inspector, Lynne Read, said: "Its strengths include pupils improving and good standards of work in English, mathematics and science, the good quality of teaching and very good provision for pupils moral and social development."

She added: "The quality of teaching is a strength of the school and this has a direct impact on pupils learning and the good standards seen in lessons. Teaching at the school is now good and much is very good. The effective teaching of basic skills in literacy and numeracy starts in reception class and is continued effectively throughout the school."

The inspector went on: "Teachers provide good challenges for the higher achieving pupils and sensitive support for those who need extra help. In the reception class, the teaching is very good and sometimes excellent. Consequently, the children make very good progress."

Planned learning opportunities are well organised and include some focused instruction, exploration, investigation and play.

According to the Ofsted inspectors this high standard of teaching and the overall leadership of the school is having an impact on academic standards.

Mrs Read added: "The school is on track to improve results considerably and achievements in the classroom were judged as above average."

"Pupils readily acknowledge one anothers achievements and show respect for different points of view. They display a well-developed awareness and concern for the interests and feelings of others. Pupils are courteous at all times and extend a warm welcome to known visitors."

On the issue of how the school is led, Mrs Read was again positive. She said: "The headteacher provides sound leadership and management for the school. Strengths in leadership and management are reflected in the successful drive for improvement over the last year.

"The headteacher is very well supported by the deputy headteacher who takes an active role in ensuring the school's policies are carried out on a day to day basis. Together with the senior manager, they are successful in promoting an environment where pupils work hard, enjoy very good relationships and show respect for peers and staff.

"All staff are committed to the school's aims that include an emphasis on personal, as well as academic development."

Headteacher, Mr Michael Green, said: "I am delighted that the Ofsted inspectors have recognised the hard work done by all the staff and the achievements of the children at Sunny Bank. We are all very proud of our school."

Chairman of governors, Councillor Gordon Sharkey, added: "The governors acknowledge the points for improvement raised by the inspectors and are pleased that the educational attainment of the children is improving. Our aim now is to build on all the inspection findings."