GILLAMOOR'S primary school is celebrating after an excellent Ofsted report.

The Church of England school was praised for its many strengths, and it was said to provide a good all-round education for the children.

Standards are above average in many subjects, especially ICT, geography, history, religious education and French. Pupils with special educational needs, or exceptional talents, make good progress, and teaching throughout the school is good.

The report said that the spiritual and moral development of pupils is particularly strong and their behaviour in and out of classrooms is very good. The children have positive attitudes to learning and very good relationships with their teachers. The school has developed a caring family atmosphere, which has a significant impact on their learning.

Since the last inspection in 1996, the school has made good improvement in all key issues. The governing body monitors the curriculum conscientiously and the school has developed a good system for monitoring teaching and learning. Significant strengths lie in the teaching of basic skills of literacy and numeracy in both infant and junior classes and the national strategies have been adapted to suit the requirements of mixed age classes.

The inspectors commented favourably about the richness and variety of learning experiences provided by the school. The links forged by the school with partner schools in the European community and teaching assistants from across the world were held in high regard.

The partnership with parents is particularly strong. They have very positive views about the school and its work is highly regarded within the local community.

Head teacher Gareth Bennett is delighted with the report. He said: "I'm pleased that all the hard work that goes on, by everyone associated with the school, day in day out, has been recognised and praised. It is a very close and friendly school community, in which a lot of people dedicate many hours of time - parents, governors and teachers."

The inspection team recognised the that inadequate accommodation gave the school some obstacles. Mr Bennett added: "Through the financial support of the PTA and local schools such as Ryedale School, we are able to overcome shortfalls and provide a rich all-round curriculum."

The chairman of governors, John Guy, said: "The governors are delighted at the outcome of the inspection. We take pride in being part of an active team dedicated to the needs of both the children presently at Gillamoor and those to come in the future.

"All our staff are part of a friendly, effective team who have worked hard for this result. The school is only restrained by its cramped premises. But even this issue is being addressed by a continuing programme of building improvements."

Updated: 11:27 Thursday, March 28, 2002