STAFF at St White's Primary School are working towards pulling themselves out of special measures following a recent Ofsted inspection.

The school in Cinderford was judged as requiring 'special measures' following an inspection last December. It is now being supported by Gloucestershire County Council to drive up standards with a robust action plan.

Ofsted acknowledged that the school is already working more closely with parents to engage them in their children's learning and with the county council to improve the quality of teaching.

Pupils' behaviour at the school is good and they feel safe and well looked after by the adults around them. They also enjoy their lessons and feel supported in their education.

Inspectors said the school was doing a good job in raising pupils' social skills and their spiritual and cultural development.

However, Ofsted also highlighted the need for the school to raise standards and rates of progress in mathematics and English, ensure that lessons are set at the right level for all pupils by more effectively using information they hold on them and improve marking and feedback to ensure that pupils know what they have achieved and what they can do to improve.

Headteacher Gary Law said: "Although this is very disappointing for the school, our team of dedicated staff and governors have already started planning and implementing new strategies for improving key areas of the curriculum, especially writing. We are prioritising the main issues that have been highlighted and are ready to take up the challenge."

Jane Lloyd-Davies, head of education performance and intervention at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We will continue to give the school all the support necessary to enable them to tackle the areas identified as needing further improvement by Ofsted.

"A team will be working with the school as they look to accelerate pupil progress and the quality of teaching."

Chair of governors, Peter Adams added: "We recognise that rapid improvement must continue. The governing body has worked with the senior leadership team to develop a clear and focused action plan that we will use to continue to drive the school forward and raise standards."