EDUCATION chiefs in North Yorkshire were today celebrating after publication of a report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

North Yorkshire County Council covers a huge area and its education department looks after 389 schools, with about 85,400 pupils.

Ofsted inspectors said today that overall the schools in North Yorkshire "perform very well".

The report says: "Some, if not most, of this success could be attributed to factors such as the pride and high expectations parents and teachers have in their schools.

"The findings of this inspection show, however, that the LEA (local education authority) makes a clear contribution to this success through a combination of effective support, judicious but effective intervention, and, where appropriate, a sensible hands-off approach."

It also says: "Relationships between officers, council members and schools are very good and there is much confidence and mutual respect between senior officers and head teachers."

The report lists areas of work carried out effectively, including clear strategic leadership, challenge to poorly-performing schools, support for weak schools and the promotion of national literacy and numeracy strategies.

Aspects of work listed that require some improvement, include information and communications technology (ICT), statements of special educational needs and schools causing concern.

But the report says: "For the most part the LEA is aware of these weaknesses and is already taking steps to address them.

"There is a clear resolve at all levels in the LEA, including members, to strive to achieve excellence in all that it does."

Chris Woodhead, Chief Inspector of Schools, said: "This is a good LEA that has both the potential, and the capacity, to improve further."

Cynthia Welbourn, director of education for North Yorkshire, said she wanted to thank three important groups of people.

"I'd like to thank and praise the people who work for the county council - even though we keep the cost of services down, the report shows the high quality we get working with big and small schools.

"I'd like to thank the elected members - the county council is one that sets high standards and is trustworthy.

"And I'd like to thank all the people in the schools - we have wonderful people in our schools and smashing children."

There was more good news for North Yorkshire schools at the regional finals of this year's Teaching Awards, held in Sheffield.

The secondary teacher of the year for the Yorkshire and Humber region was named as Catherine Roberts, from St Aidan's CE High School in Harrogate; the most outstanding new teacher in a secondary school was James Kelly, of Ripon College, and the classroom assistant of the year was Tanya Taylor, also of Ripon College.

Three staff at Wistow Parochial CE Primary School in the Selby district were specially commended - classroom assistant Lisa Moore, new teacher Emma Griffiths, and Margaret Braham, for working with parents and the community.

Teacher Paul Keogh, from King James's School, Knaresborough, was also specially commended.

The national finals will be held in October.