GLOWING praise has been heaped on staff and pupils at Leaf Lane Infant and Nursery School in Winsford, following a visit by Ofsted inspectors in June.

According to the inspectors' report, the school provides a good standard of education and has raised literacy and numeracy standards.

The report refers to literacy and numeracy standards as being "a strong feature in the school," and says that this has led to many pupils being fluent readers by the age of seven.

Standards in PE and art were found to be above national expectations, with gymnastics attainment being particularly high as pupils responded with energy and enthusiasm to all aspects of their lessons.

The recently-appointed headteacher, Mrs Susan Egersdorff, has been praised for the improvements there have been in a short period of time.

According to the report, Mrs Egersdorff "provides good leadership and a good sense of purpose for the life and work of the school."

The teachers were also praised for the high standards of teaching at Leaf Lane. All were found to be capable, competent and committed, showing care and concern for all their pupils.

After reading the inspectors' verdict on the school, a delighted Mrs Egersdorff said: "This is a super report. It clearly shows the hard work and commitment of teachers, pupils, support staff and parents."

The inspectors found that there was a good sense of community evident in the school itself, and said that parents were to be thanked for making valuable contributions to the quaility of learning which takes place.

Concerning the future of Leaf Lane, Mrs Egersdorff said: "We feel the report has given us a boost to continue our improvement work."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.