INSPECTORS praised a primary school for having many strengths and few weaknesses.

Ofsted inspectors said Wensley Fold CE Primary School, Blackburn, had good standards of teaching and made especially good provision for pupils with special needs or who had English as a second language.

About two thirds of the Manor Road school's pupils have English as an additional language and some are only just starting to learn the language.

Inspectors said the attainment of pupils was below average when they entered but National Curriculum tests showed they scored above average in English by the time they left.

Results in maths and science were below average last year.

Inspectors said: "As a result of the very high quality support for pupils who have English as a second language, they make good progress."

They said standards of teaching had improved markedly since the 1998 inspection and were now good throughout the school. The report said: "Pupils are highly motivated and most clearly enjoy their work.

"As a result, their conduct is good and they are learning in a secure and often stimulating environment. In most lessons, pupils support each other very well. Play is boisterous but friendly."

A survey of parents found they were pleased with their children's progress and that they thought their children liked school.