LYDNEY'S Primrose Hill CofE Primary School is working hard to speed up the pace of improvement, says the head teacher.

While the school has been given a 'notice to improve' following an inspection earlier this month, Ofsted did recognise many positive aspects including the 'happy and supportive environment', the good relationships between pupils and teachers and the interesting curriculum that is being delivered.

Head teacher Geoff Roser said the school was being assisted by Lydney neighbours Severnbanks and Bishop Cleeve primary school.

Mr Roser said: "The last year has been a difficult one for our school with significant staff, leadership and governing body changes.

"However, all members of our school community are fully committed to striding forward and raising achievement for all our children.

"We are receiving support from two very good schools and I'm particularly pleased to working with Severnbanks, not only because they are a Lydney school but they have been through the improvement process and are now outstanding.

"Although we were given notice to improve I'm pleased that Ofsted recognised that there is much that is good in the school."

Pupils also feel safe and cared for in school, they speak highly of their teachers and attendance and behaviour are generally good.

The inspector found that while the standard of teaching and learning is satisfactory, not enough progress has been made since the last inspection. The school's leaders have been tasked with taking action to raise pupils' attainment, monitor more closely the quality of teaching and evaluate the impact of measures taken.

The report praises the staff for their work to support individual pupils and their families at difficult times and to help pupils to overcome barriers to learning. The partnership with parents and carers is strong with many of them saying that they appreciate the pastoral care and individual attention given to their children.

The school's leaders are now working closely with Gloucestershire County Council to develop an improvement plan that will bring about rapid progress.

Chair of governors Adie Shilston said: "I can assure parents and pupils of Primrose Hill that the governing body are all fully committed to work together in collaboration with the school leaders and the county council in taking action to ensure that our pupils progress more rapidly."