CHILDREN are safe, happy and ready to learn at Chorley New Road Primary School, inspectors have found.

The school in Horwich was graded good by Ofsted at its recent inspection by the education watchdog.

The good report comes as children and staff look forward to moving into a new modern multi-million pound build.

Ofsted inspectors reported: "Leaders ensure that the school’s mission statement, ‘Challenge, Nurture, Respect’, is at the heart of the school’s work. They have high expectations of what pupils can achieve."

They added that parents were "were overwhelmingly supportive of the school. They are appreciative of how staff ensure that their children are safe, happy and ready to learn."

Inspectors found that teachers 'share a determination for pupils to achieve well' and that pupils develop 'good attitudes to learning' with pupils 'keen to succeed'.

Ofsted reported: "Pupils enjoy school. They attend regularly and behave well throughout the day, in lessons and during breaks and lunchtime."

Children were described as getting off to a good start in the early years, making good progress from starting points that are 'generally below those typically found for their age'.

Headteacher Linda Burrows said: "I am immensely proud of the children, staff, parents and governors at our school. Every day at Chorley New Road is special and Ofsted could clearly see the excellent work that is going on day after day.

"We will be moving into our new school building in September and we are all extremely excited to be starting a new chapter in the life of Chorley New Road. Our new build will allow us to grow in size and to serve more children in our community."

Chairman of the governing body Cllr Kevin McKeon said: "I am extremely proud of the work of the highly committed staff team at Chorley New Road.

"Ofsted have simply confirmed what governors knew, that the children who attend our school are receiving the excellent education they deserve.

"On behalf of the governing body I want to pay tribute to the outstanding leadership of our head, Miss Burrows and her deputy, Mrs Kavanagh.

"They focus relentlessly on creating a school where children learn effectively and thrive emotionally. The effectiveness of their efforts has been confirmed. In September, we move into our school building. "Ofsted’s positive assessment of the school’s strengths provides the perfect platform for the new stage in the school’s history."