THE future looks bright for pupils of a Nantwich school as inspectors praise their once failing primary as 'much improved'.

In December 2003 Wyche Primary was judged as 'failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education' and 'special measures' were imposed to address a range of problems.

A consultant headteacher was brought in, to work closely with education chiefs, staff and pupils to reverse the decline.

Now inspectors say: "Wyche Primary is an improving school which is well-led and managed.

"The school has effectively tackled the weaknesses identified in the previous inspection."

As the school starts the new term with a new permanent headteacher, Deana Aldred, the signs are it school will go from strength to strength.

Mrs Aldred said: "The school has made such a significant turn-around and this is a new start."

Inspectors who visited the school in May praised teaching quality, pupil's attitudes and behaviour and noted: "The pupils were excited about their learning and keen to talk about what they had discovered."

But the report added: "The school has successfully stemmed the trend of decline found at the last inspection but there is still much to do to enable the pupils to achieve the standards commensurate with their abilities and to challenge the higher attaining pupils appropriately."

A new initiative is to be launched this month, in collaboration with Cheshire Development Education Centre and Oxfam, which aims to develop children's understanding of citizenship and community.

Wyche is one of only two schools taking part in the UK.

The school council is working on a project to develop the school grounds this year. Pupils will write to parents and local firms, asking for support.

Groups will be brought into school to encourage children to think about their wider community. Next week a drumming and dancing workshop will introduce them to a multi-cultural society.

Headteacher Mrs Aldred added: "The children seem very happy and have settled in well.

"The staff are very committed and hard working and it is an exciting time for the school."