BOLTON headteacher Michelle Coughlin has been praised in an Ofsted report.

Inspectors who visited St Andrew's RC Primary School in Breightmet said as well as being a good leader, she also remained approachable and friendly to both parents and staff.

"This has contributed to the creation of a strong teaching force which is successfully driving the school forward so that pupils' attainment and progress is improved," summed up their final report.

Teachers and other staff were also applauded for their team spirit, professional attitude and concern for their pupils at St Andrew's which fostered a family spirit.

Inspectors said that the school, where nearly a quarter of the 172 pupils have special educational needs, provides "a sound quality of education for all its pupils" with a "broad and often exciting curriculum".

The standard of teaching was good or very good 40pc of the time and wholly satisfactory for the rest.

"Nursery nurse educational support staff are very talented and make an enormous contribution to the quality of children's education," said the report.

On the whole pupils are achieving national average standards and are doing better at key stage 2 information technology and key stage 1 PE.

However there was room for improvement, particularly in the teaching of music. The school was also told to raise pupils' awareness of cultures other than their own.

Governors were praised for their commitment but advised to become more involved in the detail of planning and financial matters.

Miss Coughlin said: "This report reflects the hard work of children, parents, governors and staff. We have always aimed high and this report will now help us to achieve more."

SALFORD DIOCESE also carried out an inspection and concluded that Christian values influence all aspects of the school. However it agreed with Ofsted that pupils need "to develop an awareness of other faiths and cultures in preparation for life in the multi-cultural society of Bolton today".

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