A PRIMARY school which was accused of failing its pupils only 15 months ago is celebrating after being taken out of "special measures".

School chiefs at Washacre Primary School, Westhoughton, were stripped of their powers last March after Government inspectors claimed the school was not providing an "acceptable standard" of education.

The school was then placed in special measures and the local education authority took over responsibility for its day-to-day running.

But, after a return visit by inspectors, the restrictions placed on the school have now been lifted.

Following the inspection over two days last week, improvements made at the school were deemed sufficient.

According to the school, the inspectors' verdict highlights a rapid recovery. The school was placed under special measures for:

l Overall unsatisfactory achievement

l Overall unsatisfactory teaching in the juniors

l Unsatisfactory leadership and management of the school by the headteacher and governors.

The school was also found not to "provide value for money".

The powers of Washacre's school chiefs were suspended and the local education authority took over decisions on staffing and financial matters from the governors.

The decision to restore powers to the school was made after the third monitoring visit by the inspectors. Ofsted will publish the full report on their visit and their decision to lift special measures in the near future.

Bolton's education chiefs said that children, staff, governors and the local authority were all praised by the inspecting team for their efforts "which had made this possible".

Chairman of Governors, George Twist said: "This is excellent news and the head and staff have worked hard.

"There is an air of confidence throughout the school which shows it is now going forward."

He added: "Parents can be assured there is a good standard of teaching and that their children are getting a sound education at the school. "

In 1999 Washacre was one of the schools considered for closure under a shake-up which aimed to reduce surplus school places in the borough. Following an outcry, the decision was made to keep the school open and to add a 26 place nursery.