A DURHAM school is celebrating after being praised by inspectors.

Newton Hall Infants School was praised for its "very good leadership" and strong sense of teamwork. Standards have remained above average - year two is well above average in English, maths and science - and the standards in writing put it in the top five per cent in the country.

Pupils behaved well and had a good attitude and the quality of teaching and learning are good with "some very good teaching and learning throughout the school".

However, the inspectors said that outdoor facilities for pupils needed to be improved, while improvements were needed in extending the role of subject leaders in monitoring and evaluating teaching quality.

Headteacher Jennifer Jackson said: "The staff, our governors and parents are very pleased with the report. It shows that Newton Hall Infants is a very successful school."

The school holds an open day on Thursday, at 1.30pm.