A PRIMARY school that has been in special measures since January 2017 has received an encouraging report from Ofsted following its latest inspection.

Ryecroft Primary Academy, in Holme Wood, has been told it is “taking effective action towards the removal of special measures” by Ofsted.

It also said that at the current rate of improvement the school should be on track to come out of special measures within the required timescale.

Since the last monitoring inspection in June, Northern Education Trust, which runs the adacemy, has taken steps to create a stable leadership team to take the school forward, and has made significant investment in appointing new staff.

In the report, Ofsted said: “Staffing is more stable than at any time since the school was placed in special measures.

“With two effective vice-principals to work with the principal and assistant principal, this has created a sturdy team.”

Ofsted also described principal Helen Pearson as “resilient and determined”, who provides “solid and effective leadership”. It also noted leadership has continues to improve since the last inspection and the school is committed to further improvement.

Improvements in the quality of teaching were noted to have improved children’s behaviour, and children are making better progress in English and maths.

Mrs Pearson said: “I was very pleased the inspector noticed a ‘tangible shift’ in their attitudes compared with the previous inspection.

“I firmly believe that the systematic approach to improving behaviour we introduced at the start of the academic year, together with the greater stability of staffing and better communication with parents, is positively influencing the quality of teaching and learning.”

Rob Tarn, chief executive of NET, added: “We are pleased that Ofsted have recognised the positive changes at Ryecroft.

“The principal and her staff have worked tirelessly with children, families and the wider community to set the academy firmly on its journey to ‘good’.

“This outcome is also positive affirmation of the impact of NET’s school improvement strategy.”