GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised the positive ethos of Brinkworth Earl Danby's School in a glowing Ofsted report.

A team of five inspectors visited the school over 20 days in April, and published the results of their inspection last Thursday.

The report stated: "Brinkworth Earl Danby's is effective and provides value for money, and has a very positive ethos."

The report said the school was well managed with effective leadership from teachers, and pupils making good progress. The report praised standards in art and English, but said improvements could be made in standards achieved at ICT and science.

The report said the school has good provision for moral and social development. It said that behaviour, attitudes and relationships between staff and pupils are good.

The school, which caters for 144 children aged four to 11, is spit in to two sites. The seven to 11-year-olds are in Brinkworth, while the four to seven year olds are at Dauntsey.

Headteacher Laura Brierley, 44, who took the post in September following 12 years as deputy head at Lyneham Infants, said the split site was advantageous in giving greater attention to pupils. She also paid tribute to the school's administration team of Sue Wells and Suzanne Candy for their support.

The headteacher said she also wanted to say thanks to her eight teaching staff. "I am delighted that the report recognises the positive impact of the work of the staff and the considerable support from parents and the local community," she said.

"I think what they were impressed with really was the relationship between everyone at the school."

Mike Blacker, the chairman of governors, who lives in Dauntsey, said he was particularly pleased that the report recognised standards of art and design work at Earl Danby's.

"There is a lot to celebrate including the higher than expected standard of art and design throughout the school and the stimulating, secure and happy start to school life given in the reception class," he said.

The school has also recently received a DfES achievement award in recognition of last year's outstanding key stage two SATs results.