YOUNGSTERS at a small infants school are keeping up -to-date with modern technological advances.

Newton Hall Infants School, on the outskirts of Durham, has won acclaim for being at the forefront in using information and communications technology (ICT) in helping to enhance the work of its pupils.

The school is among the first in the country to receive an accolade awarded by the Government agency for ICT in education, the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA).

It recognises the success the school has enjoyed in developing an ICT programme for use by all pupils, from reception years upwards.

Headteacher Jennifer Jackson said that to gain the award, the school had to meet various criteria, from monitoring progress in ICT capability to its impact on attitudes and behaviour, and pupils' reaction to ICT.

"We're delighted to receive the ICT quality mark. It recognises our approach to ICT and the positive impact it's having on our school as a whole."

Neil McLean, Becta executive director of educational practice, said: "Newton Hall Infants School thoroughly deserves this accolade, the ICT mark.

"The school clearly demonstrates how important it is to take a holistic approach to using ICT in a school.

"By doing this, the school's investment in new technologies has contributed to improvements in learning."

Mrs Jackson said she has received notification of the Becta-award, but is now awaiting certificates which can be displayed for visitors to the Langley Road school.