A PRIMARY school in Culcheth has been given the praise of a Government inspector they could only have prayed for.

But the praise for Newchurch Primary in Glebeland, which is on church land, fell short when it came to religious education.

The 199 pupil school was congratulated by the school inspectors for virtually every other aspect of school life and the OFSTED report went on to praise the work carried out by classroom assistants and the "high quality of moral and social development".

The inspectors' main findings included finding that the quality of learning is sound, language skills are well developed, the pupil achievements in maths, music, PE and technology are good, and pupils also have a strong sense of social awareness which is "developed through the good links with parents and the wider community".

The report added: "The quality of the work by the classroom assistants is good. The effective contribution from parent helpers is also recognised. The management of the school finances is sound. The overall management of the school is well-focused with good communications between staff and Governors."

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