A SCHOOL created out of the amalgamation of three others has won praise from Government inspectors.

Newker Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, opened in September 1998 after Newker infant and junior schools and the Clarence Nursery school were brought together on one site.

The school is larger than average with 424 full-time pupils and 102 part-time pupils in the nursery.

Ofsted inspectors, who visited the school in January and February, said: "Newker Primary School is an effective school. Skilful leadership and management create a positive climate in which pupils work hard and achieve well.

"Standards are improving, largely as a result of good quality teaching that takes place in almost all subjects of the curriculum. The school's strengths outweigh any weaknesses, and it provides good value for money."

The inspectors concluded that pupils attain appropriate standards in most subjects, and achieved particularly high standards in reading, maths, science and religious education at Key Stage 1. Standards were improving in many subjects at Key Stage 2.

The Ofsted team also praised the school's music teaching, and said it was a caring community that promoted strong moral values and good behaviour.

But the inspectors said staff lacked confidence in teaching ICT, design and technology, art and design and music. Resources were insufficient to ensure pupils made fullest progress in ICT, design and technology and art and design.

They also said the curriculum could be better balanced and that pupils' public speaking skills were under-developed.

The planning for teaching should take greater account of pupils' differing needs, and the youngsters should be given more opportunity to show initiative.

Headteacher Joan Gammon said: "We are very pleased with the inspectors' comments, and are in the process of planning more opportunities for children to work independently."

A spokesman for the governors said: "It was no surprise when the inspectors reported that there is clear evidence that provision is improving and standards are rising.

"I see that on a day-to-day basis, and we are constantly planning for the future.

"We are now aiming to improve even further by developing subjects such as art, music and technology.

"Another exciting development is the development of ICT as part of the National Grid for Learning."