A TEAM of government appointed inspectors has given a Darwen school full marks in an official report.

Sudell County Primary received glowing praise in an OFSTED report and was described as a well-managed, successful school.

According to the findings, many of the youngsters who start at the school are below national average. But the quality of the teaching brings them up to scratch by the time they leave.

Governors and teachers at Sudell Road Primary are delighted with the findings.

Gordon Waddicor, chairman of the governors, said: "This excellent report recognises the hard work and dedication of everybody involved.

"I welcome OFSTED's findings which acknowledge the progress made by the school. We will look to maintain it. "In the coming months the school will look to strengthen the areas where improvements can be made, but this is an excellent report of which we can all be very proud."

Areas which came in for particular praise were the quality of teaching and standards of behaviour.

A recently introduced positive behaviour policy was also praised and, according to the inspectors, the school offers good value for money.

Despite the praise OFSTED came up with an action plan to improve standards even further. Suggestions include:

Improvements in the way the quality of teaching is monitored.

Ensuring the school's development plan has better focused targets.

A review of accommodation for pupils with special needs.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.