A WHITEFIELD school has been highly praised by education inspectors.

The Office for Standards in Education found little fault with Higher Lane County Infants School.

Inspectors carried out an extensive study at the Egerton Road school, stating it deserved parental support because of the high standards being set there.

They reported teaching was of a good or satisfactory level in every lesson.

In a detailed report, the Government inspectors said: "The majority of pupils either meet or exceed the average expectation for their age in all curriculum subjects.

"Pupils' progress is particularly good throughout most elements of the three core subjects.

"In the most recent national tests at Key Stage One, pupils achieved levels well above the national average in English, mathematics and science.

"Pupils under five attain the expectations for their age and make satisfactory progress in creative development.

"Their attainment is above average and they make good progress in the areas of language and literacy, maths, knowledge and understanding of the world and physical development. "Attendance and punctuality is good. Their behaviour is very good and they show positive attitudes to learning."

Headteacher Mrs Val Eustice provided a "strong and effective leadership", with a supportive governing body, involved in the strategic planning process.

Concluding their findings the inspection team added: "The management is successful in promoting the school's aims and the school is successful in meeting them.

"Support staff make an excellent contribution to the work of the school, particularly in their work with pupils with special educational needs.

"In the core subjects of the curriculum pupils' attainment is above average and their progress is good.

"The overall quality of education provided by the school is good. Given these factors the school is judged to be giving good value for money."

Mrs Eustice said: "We are naturally delighted with such a positive report.

"We work very hard to provide an ethos of high academic achievement within a caring environment. It is very gratifying that both were recognised during our inspection week."

Chairman of Governors Mr Ken Williams added: "The governing body has great pleasure in congratulating the head, staff and pupils on an excellent report by Ofsted inspectors."

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