STAFF and pupils at a primary school in Pendle are celebrating after receiving an almost flawless Ofsted report with most sections of the school described as 'good', 'very good' or 'excellent'.

The inspection of the voluntary-aided Wheatley Lane Methodist School, in Fence, showed it provided a good quality education for its 211 pupils, with Year Six reaching standards in English, Maths and Science 'well above expectations'.

Standards at the Key Stage One were are also 'above expectations' and children at the end of the Foundation Stage were set to exceed the nationally suggested targets for their age.

The report also said that headteacher Barbara Hodkinson provided 'excellent leadership and produced a team bringing about continuing improvement' since the last inspection in 1996. Inspectors, who visited the school in May, said: "The teaching is very good and pupils' attitudes to school are also very good.

"Pupils' behaviour is excellent and their attendance is very good. The curriculum is good.

"Leadership and management are very good and principally responsible for the rise in standards noted during the inspection. The school provides very good value for money when costs and quality of education are taken into consideration." Mrs Hodkinson was delighted with the report. She said: "Ofsted have recognised that Wheatley Lane is an effective school which provides good quality education. They have commended high standards of teaching, management, attitudes, attendance, curriculum and parental involvement.

"I am so proud of all my staff, pupils and governors as this report reflects their talents and commitment to the school."

The only area which the inspectors said could be improved was the quality of spelling in both key stages.

Ian Wheeler, chairman of governors, said: "This excellent report confirms that the school has made very good improvements since the last inspection.

"Staff and governors are to be commended for the many ways in which Wheatley Lane School is distinctive as a church-aided school. Ofsted has recognised that it provides a caring, happy, stimulating, Christian family atmosphere where everyone is of value and worth."