A PRIMARY school that went into special measures in September has been praised for making good progress since it was initially rated inadequate.

Ducklington Primary School, near Witney, failed the inspection last year because pupils were not reaching their full potential.

At its second monitoring inspection, inspector Chris Nye highlighted good progress in improving attainment across the board, which was impressive in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Marking had improved, and the quality of teaching was now mostly good, with outstanding teaching in the oldest and youngest classes.

Mr Nye said: “The best teaching observed was inspirational.

“As a result of improved teaching and assessment, attainment has improved throughout the school and progress has accelerated, particularly in English and mathematics.”

Headteacher Julia Hamper’s leadership was described as “proactive and very effective”.

She said: “This report clearly shows that the school is making real progress. However we still have more work to do and that is where our focus lies.”

There are 180 pupils at the school, and their behaviour both was described as good, as was attendance.

Since the school went into special measures, the curriculum has been redesigned, and Mr Nye described the new arrangements as clear, well-structured and progressive.

The school had been asked to ensure teaching met all pupils’ needs to raise achievement and ensure the curriculum promoted progress.

Good progress was reported in all areas.

Priorities for further improvement include building on improvements to sustain achievement, and to carry out planned improvements to end of year reports.

The school will face a full reinspection before it can be removed from special measures, likely to be 18 months after the first inspection.

  • A primary school that leapt from satisfactory to good in just three years is celebrating its latest Ofsted inspection.

St Mary’s Primary School, in Church Green, Witney, has been told it has outstanding features in its latest inspection.

These include the pupils’ behaviour, the guidance and support offered at the school and its engagement with parents.

Headteacher Joseph Rubba, who arrived at the school a year ago, said: “We are very pleased that Ofsted has acknowledged all the great work that we have done in the school.

“It has been a lot of hard work, the staff have all worked very hard.”

In May 2007, the primary school was rated satisfactory.

Mr Rubba added: “The school has gone through quite a lot of changes recently, we have had both the headteacher and deputy retire and I think the school has managed that very well.

“Both parents and pupils have commented about how effectively the changes have been and how wonderful the school is.”

  • A once-failing school has turned its teaching around to be given some top marks in an Ofsted inspection.

St Christopher’s Primary School, in Lechlade Road, Langford, is celebrating after an Ofsted inspection marked it as good with outstanding elements.

It received top marks for its foundation Year 1 class.

Just five years ago the school was failing with serious weaknesses and three years ago it was deemed satisfactory.

Sarah Nisbett, who became headteacher after the 2005 Ofsted report, said: “It has been hard work, but well worth it.

“I am proud of the whole team, the children, the staff and the governors. We were technically a failing school five years ago, so it has been a long journey.

“It’s been teamwork and supporting each other, along with determination to make it a good place for the children.” Wendy Clements, who teaches foundation and Year 1 class with teaching assistant Pamela Watt, said: “It’s a small school with a strong teaching team that works so well together.

“We have put everything into building that up and it has paid off. We couldn’t have done it without the teaching assistants.”