Middleton school gives all round satisfaction

Ofsted inspectors have praised St Gabriel's Church of England Primary School in Middleton for its positive atmosphere, good leadership and effective staff.

After visiting the school in May, inspectors from the Government's schools watchdog were satisfied with the overall quality of education and value for money they found.

In their report following the visit, inspectors congratulated the school on the care, support and guidance it gives, which means pupils' personal and social development is good.

Inspectors were also satisfied with pupils' achievements. Highlighting the foundation stage, the inspection report says: "Children at the foundation stage have a good start to their education. They make good progress and achieve well relative to their starting points."

There is also praise for improvements in results in Year 6 where pupils are on track to meet challenging targets in English and mathematics, and will exceed their targets in science.

Inspectors noted the quality of teaching and learning the school provides. They saw examples of good teaching and assessments being used to challenge all children. In addition, the inspectors applauded the school for the richness of its curriculum and the wide range of lunchtime and after school clubs provided.

During the inspection, inspectors were impressed with pupils' behaviour. Their report says most pupils behave well, have positive attitudes to work and enjoy school.

Commenting on this aspect of the report, the Chair of Governors, the Reverend Ian Cook, said: "I was particularly pleased that the inspectors had warm words for the school's positive atmosphere and strong Christian values and their acknowledgement of the impact this has on pupils' good spiritual, moral, social and cultural development."

The inspectors found that the school is now vigorously tackling underachievement and standards are improving. In the report they back the headteacher's good leadership, and the school's effective team of senior staff and governors.

The report also says that "the school's clear and focused plan for raising attainment has not yet had sufficient time to become embedded and show a sustained impact on standards."

Headteacher Janet Abbott said: "I take a great deal of encouragement from this report. It shows that all the hard work staff, pupils and parents are putting in to improve attainment, raise standards in English and mathematics, and provide a better curriculum and ICT are now beginning to be seen.

"We were pleased to be able to show the inspectors what we had already achieved and we are confident that the school will continue to improve rapidly."