TEACHERS and school governors who overcame the odds to give village children a top class education have been hailed by Government inspectors.

An Ofsted team who visited Tow Law Millennium Primary School found that its 96 pupils were well taught and cared for.

They said new head Lisa Jackson had surmounted a number of challenges to achieve success.

There is high unemployment in the area and half the children qualify for free school meals, 41 per cent have emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties and recruiting staff is a constant problem.

But staff and governors have worked hard to raise standards and encourage pupils to do well and behave sensibly.

One of the reasons for the good teaching, said inspectors, was that pupil's varying needs are taken into account when lessons are planned.

The team, led by Barbara Crane, found that lessons were interesting and well taught. Parents have confidence in the school and pupils are happy and well cared for.

The report said: "The school is very well led and managed and the staff and governors work very well as a team to ensure that raising standards is at the heart of their work."

Mrs Jackson said: "The report highlights the excellent progress the school has made over the past year and, I am extremely pleased to say, recognises the dedication and teamwork present amongst all our school staff.

"The inspection report gives a very clear and accurate picture of our school. We have a good school with clear expectations for our pupils and we receive excellent community support."

Chairman of governors Alice Donaghy added: "The report is the result of excellent leadership from the headteacher Lisa Jackson, solidly backed up by the enthusiastic and efficient teachers with supportive non-teaching staff, governors and parents to make a very caring school."