POSITIVE attitudes to learning are highlighted as a strength of a Blackrod primary school.

An Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) inspection of Blackrod Church School highlighted the happy and secure environment in which children are educated and praises pupils' positive attitudes to learning.

The overall quality of teaching at the Vicarage Road West school is described as satisfactory and pupil attainment in English at the end of Key stage One was above the national average and in other subjects on par with national attainment levels.

The OFSTED team which visited the school in April recommended the school should pose greater challenges for the high achievers.

It also urged that pupils investigative skills should be promoted to develop the childrens' creativity and imagination.

Both these points are included in the school's action plan which is drawn up after inspection.

Issues of monitoring, assessment and evaluation are also included in the plan.

The headship of Mrs Pauline Richardson is described as strong and clear and praised for offering direction to the school.

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