A UTTOXETER school has been praised in a report following a visit by an Ofsted inspection team.

The overall effectiveness of the Picknalls First School, off Oldfields Road, Uttoxeter, was judged as "good" following an inspection.

The school, which has almost 320 pupils aged from three to nine, was inspected over two days at the beginning of July.

Headteacher Dave Shooter said he was delighted with the report.

He said "We were very pleased with the findings of our previous inspection in 2006 which set us the challenge to address the issues raised and continually improve.

"This latest inspection in 2009 proves that we have achieved just that.

"It's a testament to the dedication of staff, support from parents and governors and the enthusiasm for learning shown by the pupils.

"The two issues for improvement are identified as maths teaching in Key Stage 2 for which there was an action plan prior to inspection already in place and more consistency in developmental marking."

The Ofsted report says: "The school is providing a good standard of education.

"It is extremely effective at encouraging pupils' personal development and wellbeing because it offers an outstanding curriculum that allows pupils to develop a wide range of skills while growing in maturity and confidence.

"The good leadership and management provided by the headteacher, other senior leaders and governors have ensured that many areas of the school's work have significantly improved since the previous inspection.

"There are strong links with the local community, and good opportunities for pupils to meet children from other backgrounds and also to learn about world communities.

"Good leadership and management have raised standards, accelerated pupils' achievement and secured pupils' outstanding personal development."

Susan Walsh, lead inspector of the Ofsted team, said the school had "some outstanding features."

She said: "Children get off to a good start in the reception class and older children also told us that they find learning fun.

"Teachers give lots of help during lessons but we have asked them to improve the way they mark books and use targets so they know exactly how to improve work."

Parents of pupils have received copies of the report and a series of meetings for parents, staff and governors has taken place to discuss the details.