By SUZANNE ELSWORTH

'GOOD teaching' is just one of the top-class comments which have been made by Ofsted inspectors about Newchurch Primary School.

The Culcheth school has shown positive performance in all the areas highlighted in its previous inspection in 1996, according to a new Ofsted report.

The quality of teaching is good overall, and particular note was made of the good provision for the under-fives.

The report said: "Standards in reading, mathematics and science are above average at the end of key stage one, and standards in English and science are above average at the end of key stage two.

"Pupils with special needs make satisfactory progress."

The school's caring attitude was highlighted, and there was also praise from the inspectors for headteacher, Maureen Cain.

"The headteacher provides sensitive, democratic leadership and receives good support from the governors," said the report.

But while the report was generally positive, there were found to be some weaknesses at the Glebeland school.

"Pupils, particularly high attainers, do not have enough opportunities to use their skills, knowledge and understanding in solving problems or following themes of projects of their own," said the inspectors.

The report's recommendations also called for more work by co-ordinators to further improve the quality of teaching and learning in areas other than numeracy and literacy.

Mrs Cain said: "We have a hard-working team who are dedicated to improving the education for all children at Newchurch.

"We are looking forward to the building of the computer suite in the spring, which will enrich our curriculum still further."