The bosses of a failing school have spoken of their determination to turn round its fortunes and boost morale.

Gill Burgess, acting head teacher at Windhill CE Primary School, Shipley, said she was committed to working with the school's governors to improve teaching and learning.

The school was put into special measures because of the under-achievement in year six and the school's failure to improve fast enough after its last inspection, which identified serious weaknesses.

Mrs Burgess has been acting head teacher since head teacher Christine Illingworth took sick leave in October. "We are working on our action plan which needs to be approved and we are determined to develop the school," said Mrs Burgess. "When a school is put into special measures it doesn't do a great deal for morale and we are trying to look at the positives which we want to maintain while making the necessary improvements.

"We will have regular visits from Education Bradford's consultants to talk to staff about the changes we can make to improve.

"As part of the DfES intensifying support programme we will have two special consultants who will talk to staff about ways they can improve their lessons and motivate the children. What we are doing will be reviewed every term to make sure we are doing all that we can."

As well as working with experts the school is also making some changes to the way it operates which includes opening its doors to parents twice a week.

Chairman of the governors Mark Blackburn said: "We want parents to feel like they can come into the school and talk to staff about any concerns they have. This is a very open school and they are welcome to come to talk about issues at the school or their children in particular."

To encourage the children to take pride in the school, they are working on a number of projects to brighten up the place.

Mrs Burgess said: "The pupils have been digging a pond and have come up with all sorts of creative ideas about landscaping the school land. We are also thinking about working on some colourful murals."

Following the criticism of the governing body by inspectors, two new governors have been appointed and there will be the opportunity for them all to take refresher courses.