IT is difficult to see how anyone could argue that first few years at school are anything less than vitally important for all youngsters.

The reason is quite simply because if progress is not made at that time in achieving basic standards of literacy and numeracy children will find themselves handicapped for the rest of their school - and adult lives.

Early years in the classroom set the framework on which the rest of an individual's education is based.

As well as the nuts and bolts of reading, writing and arithmetic primary school is the place where attitudes are formed towards acquiring knowledge.

A good teacher can instill an eagerness to learn which will remain with a boy or girl for the rest of their time in the classroom or lecture theatre.

The problem until a few years ago was how to measure the performance of primary schools. But Ofted inspections and the National Curriculum tests, although initially opposed by some, seem to have changed all that.

They have enabled problem schools to be earmarked and, equally important, highlighted schools where huge improvements have been made.

Today we hear how Brindle St James CC Primary School has made a remarkable turnaround.

Last year it was described as a place where there was "considerable under-achievement in terms of pupil attainment" and which had suffered "a serious breakdown" in management.

Now it is one of only three schools in East Lancashire to achieve 100 per cent marks across the board in tables of 11-year-olds taking English, maths and science test.

Just as telling is the comment: "The children are more independent - and they enjoy coming to school." The reversal is quite breathtaking and everyone connected with the school should be congratulated.

Take a look at the performance tables...