The standard of teaching at a village school near Oxford has been highly praised by the Government's education watchdog.

Ofsted inspectors, who spent four days at Cumnor CofE Primary School last November, found pupils to be extremely well motivated, well behaved, positive about their learning and keen to be good citizens.

In their report, the inspectors commented: "Good and talented teaching, supported by skilled classroom assistants, is at the heart of the school's success.

"There is a marked absence of bullying and very good relationships between pupils of different faiths and cultures.

"The school works in very good partnership with parents. They significantly enrich the children's learning."

The report also highlighted literacy and numeracy as strengths of the school.

The inspectors particularly praised the school's family ethos, and noted the very good provision for pupils' personal development.

But the inspectors found some areas which needed attention, including some weaknesses found in the previous inspection in July 1997 which still remained.

Overall, attempts to improve leadership and management, aspects of assessment and attainment in information and communication technology, the progress of high-ability pupils, and standards of design and technology were still considered unsatisfactory.

But the inspectors stressed that the new headteacher, Sue Thomas -- backed by supportive governors and staff -- had "made a determined start to rectify unsatisfactory elements".

Mrs Thomas, who joined last September, said the school's many existing core strengths provided an excellent foundation for improve- ment.

She added: "They have confirmed areas already identified in the school improvement plan."