BOLTON'S Gilnow Primary School has been praised by inspectors for providing children with a "secure, happy" environment.

Attainment levels are described as satisfactory and the inspectors from OFSTED - the Office for Standards in Education - say that overall the school provides a good quality of education which, when linked to its level of funding, results in good value for money.

Children in nursery and reception make good progress overall in all areas of learning but a particular strength is their grasp of language and social skills.

The school's Language for Achievement Project is singled out for raising standards among children for whom English is a second language.

The quality of teaching was found to be satisfactory or better in almost 90pc of lessons observed by the inspectors.

Headteacher, Mr Keith Ellis, provides "good leadership" and is ably supported by his deputy and curriculum co-ordinators.

The school ensures that all children are treated fairly and provides excellent support for children for whom English is a second language.

To build on its success the inspectors call on the school to develop the teaching of IT and to continue to promote pupils' spiritual and cultural development and further develop the work of the governing body.

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