A DERBY infant school with a higher-than-average number of pupils with special needs has been told it is producing a "good" quality of education by Government inspectors.

Brackensdale Infant School in Mackworth was inspected by a team from the Office for Standards in Education at the end of January.

Its newly-published report found pupils are achieving well, although attainment is still low because of the below-average starting points of some of the children when they enter the school.

Brackensdale has an enhanced resource unit for pupils with autism and the inspectors noted the school's expertise in catering for those children is "a real strength".

The inspectors praised the skilled support staff who help to ensure this group of children are fully included in school life.

Of the 51 pupils who took their National Curriculum tests in May, 11 had statements of special educational need.

The inspectors praised the expertise of staff who work specifically in the school's special class. The children in this class, who have complex needs, also make good progress.

The inspectors said a particular success was the rise in standards in writing.

Other findings included the children's good personal development and their good behaviour as they enjoy school.

The Walthamstow Drive school has recently refurbished its nursery and the inspectors highlighted the positive impact this is having on achievement in the early years age group.

The school was told it needed to raise attainment in maths and reading to match the improvement in writing.

The inspectors also said outdoor provision for nursery children and children with special needs could be improved.

The leadership of head teacher Diane Reddish was described as "good" and the governing body was said to give "good support".

Parent Jo Bater has two children at the school – Isaac, five, and Lennon, six.

She said: "I am very pleased with their progress, both personally and educationally.

"Lennon is autistic and Brackensdale staff are fantastic at meeting both boys' needs in a caring and understanding way and we feel that they are valued equally."

Mrs Reddish, who was delighted with the report, said: "It highlights our strengths and reflects the hard work that staff, governors, parents and children put in to make this a good school."