STAFF and youngsters at a Stourport school are celebrating after they received a glowing report following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors from the independent education watchdog praised Stourport First School for its overall effectiveness, with pupils making good progress and standards above average.

They described the teaching and learning in years one to six at the Tan Lane site as "good" and said pupils demonstrated a caring and positive attitude towards staff and fellow pupils.

Praise was also lavished on the staff for their "outstanding" care of the pupils and the effective support given to children with special needs.

Inspector, Dr Julia Coop, said: "This is an effective school where teaching is good, pupils make good progress and standards are above average. Children blossom in this environment."

She added: "The school has maintained good standards and the many strengths identified in the last inspection. It has good potential to improve further because of the effective support from external consultants and because there are high expectations and a determined team spirit."

The report also picked up on opportunities offered to pupils to extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Inspectors did feel, however, more opportunities could be presented to children to practice their basic skills in all subjects, particularly writing.

Attendance was also deemed "satisfactory", although a small number of children did not attend school on a regular basis and some families took holidays during term-time.

The report came at a time when teaching staff were preparing to see the present three-tier education system change to two-tier across the Wyre Forest district. The change will take place in September.

Acting headteacher, Pam Newton, said: "I am delighted the inspectors agreed that Stourport First is a good school where children thrive. We are proud of all that has been achieved by the staff and pupils and with the support of parents."

She added: "We are very pleased to have received such a positive report, especially

as current changes have put additional pressures on all staff and everyone associated with the school."