STAFF at a Breightmet primary school which had special measures imposed on it following a failed Ofsted report are celebrating after education chiefs lifted the order.

Crompton Fold Primary School was placed under special measures in February last year after a damning report by Oftsed inspectors.

It criticised the headteacher, claimed the town's first opt-out primary did not give value for money, attacked teaching standards and demanded urgent measures to turn around its fortunes.

The same report claimed there was poor communication between the head, Chris Marston, and his staff as well as a loss of confidence in him.

Mr Marston resigned in April this year following a three-month suspension pending investigation, but gave no official explanation for quitting the post he had held for two years.

Diane O'Brien, who has taught at schools all over Bolton, joined as deputy head in September 2000, became acting head in January and was offered the permanent post as head during the summer term.

She and her staff have received visits each term from education inspectors since the special measures were introduced, but were hopeful that they would be given the "all clear" after the last visit proved to be so positive.

The measures had been set in place until February 2002, but after the hard work of staff they were ended earlier this week and the school community was due to hold a special celebration party today.

Mrs O'Brien said: "Everyone is delighted at the news.

"I told the juniors in assembly and they understood what had happened and were really excited.

"They have gone home and told their parents and the news will be a great lift for them as well.

"Credit should be given to the commitment and hard work of the teaching and support staff and we have also received a lot of support from the LEA Advisory Service.

Dedicated

"We have got a really dedicated team of teachers and it was hard work, and took stamina and commitment to do this.

"When I came to the school it was already under special measures and I knew it would be a challenge."

The Poulton Avenue primary school decided to opt out of the control of Bolton LEA and adopt grant maintained status in 1992.

With the advent of a Labour government the opt-out avenue was scrapped and it is now classed as a Foundation School, with control still largely with the school. STAFF at a Breightmet primary school which had special measures imposed on it following a failed Ofsted report are celebrating after education chiefs lifted the order.

Crompton Fold Primary School was placed under special measures in February last year after a damning report by Oftsed inspectors.

It criticised the headteacher, claimed the town's first opt-out primary did not give value for money, attacked teaching standards and demanded urgent measures to turn around its fortunes.

The same report claimed there was poor communication between the head, Chris Marston, and his staff as well as a loss of confidence in him.

Mr Marston resigned in April this year following a three-month suspension pending investigation, but gave no official explanation for quitting the post he had held for two years.

Diane O'Brien, who has taught at schools all over Bolton, joined as deputy head in September 2000, became acting head in January and was offered the permanent post as head during the summer term.

She and her staff have received visits each term from education inspectors since the special measures were introduced, and were hopeful that they would be given the "all clear" after the last visit proved to be so positive.

The measures had been set in place until February 2002, but after the hard work of staff they were ended earlier this week and the school community was due to hold a special celebration party today.

Mrs O'Brien said: "Everyone is delighted at the news.

"I told the juniors in assembly and they understood what had happened and were really excited.

"They have gone home and told their parents and the news will be a great lift for them as well.

"Credit should be given to the commitment and hard work of the teaching and support staff and we have also received a lot of support from the LEA Advisory Service.

Dedicated

"We have got a really dedicated team of teachers and it was hard work, and took stamina and commitment to do this.

"When I came to the school it was already under special measures and I knew it would be a challenge."

The Poulton Avenue primary school decided to opt out of the control of Bolton LEA and adopt grant maintained status in 1992.

With the advent of a Labour government the opt-out avenue was scrapped and it is now classed as a Foundation School, with control still largely with the school.