Schools standards minister, David Miliband, has heaped praise on Compton All Saints' C. of E. Primary School, near Winchester, for its progress in introducing workforce reform.

The school was chosen to be one of 32 in the country to take part in a yearlong Pathfinder project which looked at the way support staff could be used to give teachers less clerical and administrative work.

"It has been very exciting to be part of this project." said head teacher, Gerry Sollom. "David Miliband has recognised the positive approach and enthusiasm of staff at Compton and this accolade has lopped off an exciting year."

Mr Miliband said: "I am very impressed by the steps that Compton has taken towards reforming its workforce. These have had clear benefits for staff and pupils.

"The staff have embraced changes which are raising pupil standards. Many of these are now enshrined in a national agreement.

Compton provides a great example of where all schools should be heading.

"The first phase will come into force in all schools in Hampshire from September and with it comes a better deal for teachers. support staff and pupils."

Mr Miliband has visited schools that have successfully remodelled, across the country, and has seen the impact of the changes.

"Teachers have more time to concentrate on teaching. support staff feel included and valued for the contribution they can make and every child is being given greater attention and a better chance of succeeding."

Mrs Sollom agrees. "The appointment of the co-ordinator for classroom assistant. Lynne McGrath and a resources manager, Sue Woolford, has allowed teachers to spend far more time on developing work for their classes and monitoring individual progress.

"There has definitely been an improvement in standards."

Other changes in non teaching staff include the training of the administration officer to take on bursar responsibilities with her assistant working extra hours.

Compton received special funding of £87,000 and this will cover extra costs until March, 2004. Mrs Soltom hopes that the school budget will he sufficient to allow this valuable support to continue.

Whatever happens, through Pathfinder, they have developed many new ways of utilising the energy and expertise of all their staff: