GOVERNMENT inspectors have noted a "significant improvement" in the quality of teaching at Little Hulton Community School in its recent OFSTED report.

But a failure to radically improve standards attained by pupils and a problem with attendance did blot the school's copy book according to the inspectors.

However, bearing in mind the action plan drawn up by the governors and headteacher, Mrs Gillian Wardle, the inspectors said they were confident improvements would continue.

And they described Little Hulton Community School as "an improving school that is steadily raising standards".

In addition to the standard of teaching, inspectors also singled out the school's strong links with the community, its careers education and the range of extra-curricular activities for special praise.

Summing up progress made, the report states: "Since the previous inspection, the school has improved, but, taken overall, the degree of progress has been unsatisfactory, particularly in raising standards of attainment and in providing for pupils with special educational needs.

"Nevertheless, there has been some improvement in each of the key issues from the previous inspection.

"Assessment data is used successfully to plan targets for individual pupils but is not yet used adequately for curriculum planning.

"Systems are now in place for managing the provision for special educational needs, but need further refinement."

An action plan to address issues highlighted by the report has been drawn up by Mrs Wardle and the school's governors.

These include targeting absenteeism, with the school's aim to improve attendance to 90pc by 2003.

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