A SCHOOL has cause for celebration after turning its fortunes around and earning a ‘good’ rating in its latest Ofsted inspection.

In previous inspections in 2014 and 2016, Sandy Lane Primary School, Cottingley Road, was judged as 'requires improvement'.

But that rating has now been ramped up to good after a recent visit from the education watchdog, with new leadership at the school praised.

The report says: "Following a period of turbulence in leadership, the current headteacher joined the school in January 2017 and is now the executive headteacher for both Sandy Lane and Steeton primary schools. He made skilful use of the good practice in Steeton Primary School to strengthen the leadership and teaching in Sandy Lane Primary School.

"As a result, the two schools now have a very effective partnership model, through which the good practice in both schools is shared on an equal basis."

It adds: "School leaders have been relentless in tackling the underperformance in teaching that was evident at the last inspection. As a result, the quality of teaching has improved and is now typically good. Some aspects of the practice of a small number of teachers are outstanding."

The report describes pupils as being "very polite, considerate and eager to learn" and says their behaviour is good. Governance is said to have "improved rapidly" and is now strong.

However, the report highlights areas the school should work on.

"Although school leaders have worked closely with families to ensure that pupils’ attendance has improved steadily since the last inspection, the number of pupils who are repeatedly absent from school is still too high," says the report.

"Leaders now collect information about pupils’ progress from their starting points in school. However, this information is not used strategically enough to support further improvement."

Executive Headteacher John Cooper said: "I would like to thank all of the staff, school governors and volunteers, for their dedication, commitment and unrelenting efforts towards making Sandy Lane ‘Good’ again. Everyone has worked very hard to improve the outcomes for all our children at Sandy Lane and they have my heartfelt thanks."

He also thanked parents and children at the school.

While Councillor Sue Duffy (Lab, Thornton and Allerton) and Chair of the school's governing body thanked staff and governors for their "hard work and commitment". She added that it could not have been achieved without the "inspirational leadership" of Mr Cooper, the school's Deputy Head Fiona Newsome and the senior leadership team.