AN Accrington school is so enjoyable that pupils can't stop smiling, impressed inspectors found.

That was the verdict of Ofsted officials following a visit to St Anne's and St Joseph's RC Primary School at the end of June.

In the report, published today, the 301 pupils on roll at the Sandy Lane school are commended for their positive attitude.

Lead inspector Elizabeth Greensides said: "Thank you for your politeness, your good manners, and, above all, your smiles and your helpfulness at all times. We were pleased to see how much you enjoy your lessons, how hard you work, and how sensibly you behave."

But the praise is not reserved for the children, with the school classed as good - the second highest grade out of four.

Headteacher Elaine Richards and her team are saluted for ensuring "teaching and learning are good" and the way staff "work well as a team and provide outstanding levels of care."

Inspectors were also impressed with the way teachers regularly observe each other's lessons "to improve their own teaching."

Areas where the inspectors considered improvement is needed included its curriculum which should be developed and designed "so it has more emphasis on raising basic skills."