The next meeting of the Northolt Area Committee will be held on:

Transport, traffic, recycling and many other issues will up for discussion.

If you would like more details about the meeting then contact one of your local Councillors.

Staff and pupils at Downe Manor Primary School had the perfect start to 2006 with inspectors from Ofsted, the schools watchdog, describing many areas of the school as “outstanding”.

Overall, the inspectors graded the school, which is situated on the border of Ealing and Hillingdon boroughs, as “good” following their visit in November. However, in the categories of Achievement and Standards, and Teaching and Learning they said the school was “outstanding”.

As the report was published, Lead Inspector Nick Butt wrote to pupils at the school explaining the inspection findings. He added: “We think your school is an exciting place and would love our own children to be here if only we lived close enough.”

They said the success of Downe Manor – rebuilt in 2004 as part of the council’s first private finance initiative (PFI), which was worth £33 million – was down to a number of factors including:

· The “exceptional determination and drive” of the headteacher, supported ably by the deputy and a confident leadership team
· Rigorous and systematic monitoring by all leaders helping to maintain high standards
· Teachers having a thorough knowledge and understanding of their subject areas and promoting high standards
· The “exciting” new school building.

The report said: “Pupils make exceptionally good progress as a result of outstanding teaching. They leave the school with standards that are above and often well above the national average.

“The head and deputy’s determination and flair mean that the school has a bright future. The headteacher has a drive and vision that enthuse and energise staff and pupils alike. She is well supported by the deputy head and a confident leadership team.”

Of the new school building, the inspectors added: “Its exciting new building is full of space and light and serves the school community very well.”

Chair of Governors, Frank Impey, said: “Downe Manor has always been regarded as a good local school but this latest report has confirmed the school as excellent in all ways. I congratulate all the staff and pupils on this outstanding report.”

Headteacher Elizabeth McAllister added: “The millennium has been an exciting and inspiring time for everyone at Downe Manor and we are delighted with the findings of the Ofsted inspectors.

“We aim to achieve the best we can in everything we do and have demonstrated that this shared ethos works. Well done to all our pupils, governors and parents who have all played a part in making this happen.”

Cllr Sonika Nirwal, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This is another excellent example of the fantastic and innovative work going on in Ealing schools and I would like to congratulate the pupils, staff and governors.

“The school has a special place at the heart of the community and the council is really happy for their success. That this is also a PFI school really justifies the council’s original decision to bid for these funds, but a school doesn’t work without the devotion of staff, and that is where the success of Downe Manor really lies.”