THREE Southampton primary schools received the seal of approval for their literacy and numeracy teaching when they were awarded with the Primary Quality Mark.

Bitterne Manor Primary School, Fairisle Infant School and Springhill Primary School have all been recognised for achieving a set government standard in providing the city's children with the basic skills of reading, writing - including spelling - and numeracy.

Head teacher Peter Howard of Bitterne Manor Primary, in Quayside Road, was delighted and said: The whole school is very proud of it. It's not only about the teachers but all the staff, the children and the parents and it's an endorsement of current practices."

Director of the Basic Skills Agency Alan Wells presented the three schools with their award.

The Basic Skills Agency is the national education agency for England and Wales and is supported and funded by the government. All the schools recognised were nominated by Southampton's Local Education Authority for attaining the standard set by the government. The schools will hold the mark for an initial three years.

Head teacher Jo Garraty of Springhill Primary in Milton Road, said: "It means a great deal to all of us. We are proud of the progress the school has made."