INSPECTORS have praised a primary school for its efforts to deliver the best possible start in life for pupils.

Cockerton Primary School, in Darlington, was rated as "good with some outstanding features" in a recent report produced by education inspectorate Ofsted.

The school, which is soon to be rebuilt as part of a £3m project, was said to offer good teaching, with systems for checking how well pupils are doing being used outstandingly well.

The report says there is a strong emphasis on pupils gaining basic skills, while the development of their reading is "exceptionally good".

The report adds: "Pupils are courteous, work co-operatively together and behave exceptionally well in and around the school.

"They know how to keep safe and stay healthy, and they make a good contribution to the community through the church and other links."

Inspectors did identify some areas for improvement, including developing the use of information technology across the curriculum.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am delighted that the inspectors have recognised the superb work carried out at Cockerton Primary School. This report is a credit to everyone involved there."