A WORCESTER primary school created 18 months ago by the merger of an infant and junior school is celebrating after picking up a glowing first report from government inspectors.

Warndon Primary School has been praised by Ofsted, following its first ever inspection, and has received good' grades in all eight areas of the inspection.

The education watchdog said: "Warndon Primary and Nursery is a good school with many strengths. The amalgamation of the infant and junior schools has been an outstanding success due to the excellent leadership of the headteacher and hard work of all staff."

Acting headteacher Simon Tranter said he was delighted with the report.

"It's fantastic and the whole school community is overwhelmed," he said.

"Everyone is pleased with the recognition received.

"It's only been 18 months in the making, but we have achieved so much. We are very proud of this report and I would like to thank all the staff, children and parents for making this school such a success."

The inspectors said the quality of teaching and the curriculum at the school were both good. "Teaching is good throughout the school and this has a positive impact on the learning of all pupils especially those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities who also make good progress," they said. "Pupils enjoy learning because lessons are interesting and provide lots of practical activities."

The leadership team was also praised in the report, which said: "The senior leadership team work very well as a cohesive team and provide energy and direction for their various responsibilities. There is a clear focus on raising standards and achievement, which is having a positive impact especially in English."

Children at the school were described as "friendly" and "polite". The inspectors said: "They have good attitudes to work and this shows in their good behaviour. Pupils are friendly and get on well with each other and they say they have no concerns about bullying. They particularly praise the work of the peer mediators' in resolving possible conflicts at playtime."

STAR RATINGS Overall effectiveness: HHHI Effectiveness of Foundation Stage: HHHI Achievement: HHHI Development: HHHI Teaching: HHHI Curriculum: HHHI Care and support: HHHI Leadership: HHHI What the school does well: l A good curriculum generally provides well for pupils of all abilities and backgrounds and is being further developed as part of the amalgamation process.

l Pupils are aware of their role within the wider community. They have raised funds for charities and have been involved in litter picking and work with elderly residents.

l There are very good relationships between adults and pupils, which result in pupils clearly d wanting to do well.

l Lessons, particularly in literacy, are well planned and pupils say that many of their practical activities make learning fun.

l The schools' strength in valuing each child ensures that every pupil feels safe and well supported.

What could be improved: l Offer greater challenge to higher attaining pupils to raise standards and achievement in maths.

l Develop effective systems for enabling pupils to understand how they can improve their work.