ONE of the Abergavenny infants schools recommended for closure in an education shake-up was praised in a recent inspection for its good teaching standards.

Park Street Infants School was inspected for two days in May and the report concludes: "Consistently good teaching makes a valuable contribution to the standards achieved by pupils."

The inspector, Dr Michael Best, said the quality of teaching was very good or good in 92 per cent of lessons observed and standards were good in 96 per cent of lessons.

The chairman of governors, the Rev Jeremy Winston, said: "This success reflects the tremendous hard work of the teaching staff over many years.

"Everyone linked with the school is thrilled with this inspection report. We have always known that the pupils at Park Street receive a good education - this report simply confirms it.

"The governors congratulate the teachers for their extraordinary achievement and the high standards attained.

"The evidence is clear for all to see and fully affirms the feeling of the wider community that Park Street School is a truly excellent environment in which young children are learning and achieving.

"In the light of this first-class report any moves to close the school will be construed as obscure, insensitive and utterly unacceptable."

Park Street School has been recommended for closure by the members panel of Monmouthshire county councillors working on the strategic review of primary education in the county.

It is one of eight Abergavenny schools which the panel recommends should be closed. But their recommendations will be discussed by the whole council on July 24 and a final decision based on their discussions will be made on July 30.

Children at Park Street School are also praised in the inspection report ,which said: "The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils is good.

"They enjoy attending the school and take their responsibilities seriously.

"Pupils' behaviour in class and the playground, and especially in the daily acts of worship is exemplary."

Acting head teacher Mrs Pam Roberts is said to be doing a good job keeping the school running smoothly. "Everyone is pulling together well."

* Pictured: Megan James, a pupil at Park Street School, Abergavenny, hopes that the school will remain open