A CINDERFORD school has shown considerable improvements in all areas since it was put into special measures, a monitoring visit by the education watchdog has revealed.

School inspectors from Ofsted returned to St Anthony’s School as part of the monitoring procedure, the third inspection since the school was put into special measures following an inspection in May 2015.

The new report highlighted the progress that had been made in leadership and management.

Inspector Lorna Brackstone said: “The leaders and school management are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures. The senior leaders have a wealth of primary expertise and provide the school community with a clear strategic direction.

“The early year’s provision has been transformed into a lively and engaging environment where young children are eager to learn and the curriculum is both meaningful and appropriate.

“The support provided for families new to the area was also very impressive and the introduction of extra-curricular activities has helped to involve and stimulate pupils in school life.”

The interim report stated that pupils were keen to learn and were enthusiastic about their learning. It also noted the pupils take pride in the presentation of their work and are clear about the school’s core values of belief, effort, strength and trust.

The inspector added: “The school’s implementation of a curriculum is meaningful and appropriate to the different age groups. A successful ‘superhero’ topic in every class kick-started the new academic year well.

Interim headteacher, Mandy Lloyd said: “We are thrilled that this report recognises the very significant work which everyone involved with the school has undertaken since the beginning of the academic year.”

Ms Lloyd pointed out that Ofsted inspectors don’t readily use the word ‘transformed’ and was delighted that this was used in the context of the school’s early years provision.

Chris Powell the school’s interim deputy head said: “Because of our vision of doing our best, no matter how big the challenge, staff and pupils, have a significantly different mind-set to when they first started this journey back in July 2015.

“The most recent Ofsted monitoring report shows what has been achieved because of it.”