GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised the lively and inquiring minds of pupils and outstanding teaching at Sabden County Primary School.

Headteacher Sandra Dundon said she was delighted with the report which paid tribute to relationships between children and teachers.

The report said: "Classes are well-organised and teachers make excellent use of praise and encouragement when managing pupils who lack confidence or motivation.

"Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions, help others and observe the common courtesies that make life pleasant."

Although there are only three classes for children aged five to 11, pupils' attainment exceeded national expectations in English, mathematics, science, geography, history and religious education. But they were below the national average in design and technology and information technology and their progress was hampered by a lack of up-to-date computers.

Children with special educational needs made good progress and inspectors said the vast majority of the 90 pupils were enthusiastic, co-operative, well-behaved and friendly.

Although teaching was always good or very good and teachers know their pupils well, inspectors said consistent systems for assessing and recording progress were needed.

Sandra Dundon said the report was the result of hard work by the whole team.

"It's not easy to organise mixed-age classes but I think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages," she said. "The younger ones learn from the older ones and the older ones help them, there's a lot of sharing."

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