MORE than 100 children at Malvern Wells CE Primary are benefiting from good teaching and good leadership, according to Government inspectors.

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has published its report on the school, following visits over three days in July.

The voluntary-aided school was also subject to a separate inspection at the same time by the Worcester Diocesan Board of Education.

Ofsted found that the overall effectiveness of the school is good and standards of work are above average in maths and English and average in science.

Teaching is good, as is the attitudes and behaviour of pupils, and when they leave to go to secondary school they are judged to be at least one term ahead in the key areas of maths, English and science.

Issues raised in the previous inspection, in 1996, have been addressed and the school has now been asked to look at standards of presentation, handwriting and spelling, the recording of pupils' work, timetabling and use of assessment information in curriculum planning.

The Diocesan Board described the school as providing a "welcoming, caring environment and a commitment to promoting Christian values".

It also commented on the good state of repair of school buildings and pointed to longer term plans to extend the school hall.

Head Dorothy Rickarby said: "We're delighted with the reports, which are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the adults, staff, governors and parents, and of the children in our school.

"The reports also serve to help us build on our strengths and help us in our constant aim to provide the best education for all the children."