Concerns that the drive to improve pupils' reading, writing and arithmetic skills is stifling creativity in primary schools are unfounded, according to the education watchdog, Ofsted.

Inspectors said the national literacy and numeracy strategies could act as a "springboard" to raise standards across a range of subjects.

David Bell: "This is doable"

The findings came as previous research by inspectors uncovered widespread concern among primary school teachers that the emphasis on basic skills was leaving them with no time to teach subjects like music and art.

The latest report is based on analysis of 31 primary schools in 26 local education authorities, which were judged to be offering pupils an all-round education.

"All the schools placed a strong emphasis on the humanities, physical education and, especially, the arts, as these motivated pupils and contributed to their enthusiasm for school and education generally," the report said.

"To promote these subjects further, these schools enriched their curriculum through a wide variety of carefully planned activities, including day and residential visits and the use of subject experts from within the school or outside."

The inspectors found these schools operated a longer day than the minimum recommended by the government.

Slow process

The Ofsted report stressed that schools which needed to change would find the process could take years, not months.

But part of the process meant teachers had to recognise the national literacy and numeracy strategies "held the key to high standards in English and mathematics as well as providing a springboard which can be of benefit to the whole curriculum".

Ofsted chief inspector David Bell said the report showed what could be achieved by most, not just a few, schools.

"This isn't just for the supermen and superwomen in the profession. It does highlight characteristics of successful head teachers but, again, I think I would say that these characteristics aren't outside the reach of the majority," said Mr Bell.

"This is a report we want to influence as many people as possible because we believe that this is doable."

Teachers did not have to slavishly follow the national literacy and numeracy strategies to the letter in order to boost attainment, he stressed.