GREAT leaps forward by teachers and students at a Latchford school have had education watchdogs jumping for joy.

Work done in the classroom, at Alderman Bolton Junior School, on information technology, geography and religious education has prompted accolades from Ofsted.

Four years since the last inspection took place at the Longdin Street school, inspectors found these subject areas in particular had flourished.

Teaching standards were never less than satisfactory, with 50 per cent of lessons "good or better."

The Government team remarked on how the school had overcome weaknesses identified during their last visit.

"All teachers have worked hard to introduce the National Literacy Strategy and this is reflected in the overall good quality of the teaching seen in English," inspectors observed.

Going to school was an enjoyable experience for Alderman Bolton pupils, it was discovered, with a pleasant school environment cited as a prime factor.

Headteacher Jim Courtney, responding to the report's findings, said: "I am particularly pleased that the inspectors praised the quality of teaching and education the school provides.

"I am very proud of the pupils' achievements and I was particularly encouraged that the team praised the good behaviour and positive attitudes to learning demonstrated by the pupils."

Added Dennis Pickering, governors' chairman: "The school has worked very hard since the last report and it is pleasing the inspectors recognised this."

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