A PRIMARY school in Blackbird Leys has finally lifted itself out of special measures after two years under close watch from Ofsted.

Staff and students at Windale Primary School celebrated this week as inspectors' newly-published report upgraded the Windale Avenue school to 'requires improvement'.

The report, which was sent to parents on Friday, followed a two day inspection of the school in January.

Headteacher Katie Geran-Haq, who was appointed in October after temporary headteacher Matthew Wynne, was credited for helping turn the school around.

She said: "As headteacher I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of the staff, pupils, parents and community at Windale has been recognised.

"At Windale we are embracing this success as a firm foundation on which to build for the future, as we continue on our journey towards a good grading and beyond.

"Our aim is to provide the best education for our children in an inclusive, welcoming and inspirational environment, so they are able to achieve to their full potential."

In March 2015 Windale became the second primary school on the estate to go into special measures following Orchard Meadow, also run by the Blackbird Academy Trust.

Since then four successive Section 8 inspections have yielded mixed results, with particular consistent problems reported around literacy and maths results.

But Windale's fortunes now appear to be slowly reversing. Inspectors noted: "Better teaching led to pupils achieving above average in 2016 national tests and assessments.

"No opportunity is missed to reinforce the school's positive ethos, including through praise and rewards. Attendance has improved from the last academic year."

Youngsters' welfare and personal development were praised in the report, noting that pupils chose the core values of the school themselves, the main one being kindness.

It also said: "The school has successfully prioritised developing positive relationships with parents. Parents spoken to on inspection praised the school."

Ms Geran-Haq, the school's first permanent headteacher since 2015, was singled out for praise by inspectors.

They said: "She is determined to move the school forward and enjoys strong support from the staff.

"The school has made a tremendous start on its journey to good, because the headteacher has insight, rigour and accuracy when evaluating the school."

To achieve a better rating Windale has been told it must ensure pupils, especially disadvantaged ones, make better progress in all subjects with special emphasis on writing.

Inspectors noted that the quality of teaching could also be improved to make sure tasts were 'sufficiently challenging' and assessments gave an 'accurate picture' of progress.