STAFF at an inner-city primary school which was put into special measures three years ago are thrilled after its latest inspection showed a vast improvement.

Dixons Marchbank Primary School, in Bradford Moor, was placed into special measures in 2013, when it was called Bradford Moor Primary School.

However, following a recent inspection, schools regulator Ofsted has recognised the school’s improvement by awarding it a ‘good’ rating.

The report noted the rapid progress of children of all abilities as a stand-out achievement, particularly early-years provision, and also highlighted the school’s focus on child welfare and progress checks for pupils and teachers.

The report said: “Teachers check pupils’ progress and identify gaps in knowledge to plan lessons as well as catch-up sessions.

“These have been particularly helpful for disadvantaged pupils as well as those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

“The school puts a high priority on pupils’ welfare. It has worked tirelessly to improve attendance, which has improved and is now good.

“Pupils are proud of their school and say that they feel safe, confident that ‘a trusted adult’ will deal with their concerns.

“The vision and drive of the headteacher, supported by conscientious and enthusiastic staff, have created a positive and productive place for pupils to learn.

“Newly appointed leaders have strengthened the school’s ability to improve. Leaders regularly review how well things are working and swiftly make changes when they are not.”

The report did note some areas for improvement, including making the quality of teaching consistently good, and ensuring pupils reach higher standards in reading, especially for children whose first language is not English.

Headteacher Janet Relton said she was very pleased with the report, and that pupils, parents and staff have all worked hard together to improve the school.

She said: “The pupils have significantly improved with their progress in maths and English, and we are are now in the top ten per cent nationally.

“The children are also achieving above national levels of development in many areas.

“The news of our ‘good’ rating will be very positive news for our parents, they are all very interested in seeing their children and their school do well.”

While Ms Relton said the ‘good’ rating was a big improvement from the school’s ‘inadequate’ rating in February 2013, she acknowledged there is still room for improvement at the school.

She said: “We are working with the children and staff to achieve the outcome our pupils are capable of.”

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