AN Accrington primary school lauded by Ofsted last year has been further applauded following another inspection.

St Oswald's Roman Catholic Primary School was labelled 'outstanding' by the education watchdog in September and has now been praised by Salford Diocese inspectors.

Headteacher Jeff Brown said: "It is a tremendous achievement for our school community to do so well across its recent Ofsted and Religious Education inspections.

"This now gives us an assurance we are providing an outstanding all-round faith-based education for our children.

"St Oswald's truly is a school where everyone recognises the need to work together as a family, showing love and concern for all members.

"Our priority will be to ensure the school maintains this status across future inspections."

The Hartley Avenue school was judged in seven areas of quality and effectiveness by diocese inspectors Andrew Sowerby and Des Burns, who gave the best possible mark in each.

With potential scores of one to four, one meaning outstanding and four inadequate, they awarded St Oswald's one for overall effectiveness, the quality of catholic leadership, the word of God community, the welcome community, welfare, worship, and witness.

In a report, the pair said: "All who attend the school are immediately struck by the safe and caring environment the school provides so both parents and children feel like they are members of one very happy family.

"All children are offered a catholic education in a loving and supportive environment where differences are welcomed and celebrated.

"The word of God is central to life at the school."

To further improve, the school should 'embed and enhance the work of the school's faith council', their report added.

In a follow-up letter to students, Messrs Sowerby and Burns said: "Your teachers are really helping you to learn very well and we were very impressed by your excellent relationships and behaviour.

"It is wonderful to see a school made up of pupils and adults who get on so well together so that everyone is cared for as a member of God's family.

"This is a true reflection of being part of a catholic community where everyone is welcome and has a place."

St Oswald’s is a smaller-than-average school, with a higher than usual number of female students, Ofsted’s recent report said.

To ‘further enhance the development of children in the early years’, resources for outdoor play and learning should be extended, its inspector Nigel Cromey-Hawke found.