AN Oswaldtwistle primary school is giving children a satisfactory education just a year after it was deemed inadequate.

Moor End Primary School, White Ash Lane, has been re-inspected by education watchdog Ofsted, which has found that it had ‘successfully tackled’ its inadequacies.

The 170 pupil school was given notice to improve in July 2010 but the ‘drive’ and ‘commitment’ of headteacher Victoria Milne and staff has helped transform the school.

Although inspectors led by Jean Kendall accessed the school as satisfactory they did find that it had some good features, which included pupil safety.

Inspectors said: “teaching has improved and is currently satisfactory or better in all classes. As a result most pupils are making at least satisfactory progress in their learning. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well taught in the SERF unit and make good progress. Those in mainstream classes make satisfactory progress alongside their peers. Good teaching in Year 2 and Year 6 is helping pupils to make more rapid progress in these classes.

Attainment is now above national averages in year two and close to national averages in year six in mathematics and reading.”

But inspector highlighted areas for improvement. The school must improve the pace of learning in English and maths, develop outdoor play areas for pupils and improve communication about children’s progress to parents.

The report said: “Pupils' writing is below average but has improved as they have been given more exciting writing opportunities and good guidance for improvement.

“However, many pupils are still working below age-related expectations in years three to five because the pace of teaching is not as rapid.

“The school is in the process of revising the curriculum to introduce more exciting topics and opportunities for pupils to apply their skills creatively.

“There is a need to ensure that pupils are taught age-appropriate basic skills in all classes, as this develops.”