AN infant school has been praised by the education watchdog for going out of its way to include pupils of different cultures.

Audley Infant School, Blackburn, has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for being "outstandingly inclusive" towards its 277 pupils who are British, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi.

And headteacher Susan Grimshaw was praised along with governors for good leadership and vision and the school's role in the Queen's Park community.

"I am extremely pleased that the inspectors recognised the commitment and team spirit of all our staff. True partnership between home and school, a result of our school motto, learning and growing together, has helped our children acquire high levels of achievement, " said Mrs Grimshaw.

"The school has a very good record with the surrounding community and works together with them to achieve their aspirations and improve the standards.

The school was also commended for winning the top sports award, Activemark Gold from Sport England, for their outstanding commitment to sport and physical activity.

It has already achieved the Government's 2006 target for every school to offer two hours of physical activity a week with dance, games and gym in school time, already boasting out-of hours keep fit sessions for the children, football coaching, and a trim trail in the school grounds.

Inspectors said attendance and punctuality were unacceptable but blamed the statistics on religious observations and extended holidays abroad.

Chairman of governors Councillor Arshid Mahmood said: "I am very pleased that the inspection found Audley Infant School to be a good, effective, innovative and inclusive school.

"This has highlighted the governors', headteacher's and staffs' commitment to provide a very good standard of education for the children."