Staff at a Milnsbridge primary school are celebrating having turned the corner.

In February 2013, Ofsted judged Crow Lane Primary School to be Requiring Improvement. Inspectors said that pupils’ progress, behaviour and safety could all be better, and teaching could be improved.

Fast forward 21 months and Ofsted inspectors found a completely different picture at the 235-pupil school following their latest visit.

Inspectors said that children made good progress at all age levels and that some from disadvantaged backgrounds -of which there are many at the school - made even better progress than their peers.

Their report added: “Some of the most able pupils achieve the highest Level 6 in mathematics. Teaching is typically good. Marking is detailed and pupils reflect and act upon teachers’ comments to enable them to improve their work.

“Teachers and well-trained teaching assistants provide well-targeted support to ensure that pupils are making at least the progress expected of them, and often better progress. Pupils’ behaviour is good and they feel safe.

“They are polite and happy and are very caring towards each other. The headteacher and senior leaders know how successful the school can be and have acted with rigour to bring about rapid improvement across the school.”

Headteacher Wendy Wallace said: “As a school we are delighted that the report reflects the impact of the work we have undertaken since our previous inspection in Feb 2013.

“The journey has not been without its challenges, but the importance of better outcomes for our children has driven our improvement plan and its implementation. We are proud that children of all abilities make good progress in our school where they are safe and happy.

“Areas highlighted for further improvement by the inspection team were already identified in school as part of the next stage of our journey - and we are already working towards achieving further success.”