A GOVERNMENT report has praised a Grangetown school in its first inspection since it was formed by the merger of an infant and junior school.

Ofsted inspectors said St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, which opened in September 2000, is committed to doing the best for children.

The report said: "It is clear the amalgamation process has been successfully accomplished and the school has made rapid strides in developing as an effective unit since it opened and it is well set to continue to improve.

"Pupils enjoy school and they are well served by a hard-working team of teachers and support staff. As a result, they make good progress in their personal development, as well as in academic achievement, reaching standards which are very good when compared with similar schools."

An action plan has been drawn up to improve literacy.

Leadership and management, along with the evaluation of performance and use of resources at St Mary's were described as very good.

Acting headteacher Michelle Ryan said: "We are delighted with our first Ofsted report since amalgamation. It endorses how we feel about the school and it is a credit to all the people who work so hard for St Mary's - the children, the staff, the parents and the governors."