Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 27 March 2008

A WORKINGTON school has received a glowing report from government inspectors.

Ashfield Infant School, on Newlands Lane, has been rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors, who visited recently.

The school’s range of after school activities was “outstanding” and children in the reception year received a “very good start to their school lives”, the report said.

It added: “Ashfield infants provides a good education and high quality care in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

“Parents have a very positive view of the school. Many wrote to the inspectors saying how much they appreciate the approachability of the headteacher and her staff.

“They know their children are well cared for and enjoying their education.”

Impressed inspectors said pupils learned “exceptionally well” how to live healthy lives.

Teaching of the school’s 156 pupils was good, with children making good progress in English and maths.

Test results showed standards of literacy and numeracy were above average by the time children reached the end of year two. Inspectors found children did best at reading.

Teachers’ assessments showed above-average standards in science.

Staff were praised for their “very good care” of pupils and the support they gave tochildren with learning difficulties and needing a bit of help to keep up.

The leadership of headteacher Pat Smith and her management team was good but inspectors would like to see the roles of subject leaders to be developed.

Other areas where improvements could be made, include the planning and organisation of topic work.

The school was asked to raise standards in maths match those in English.