A CROWTHORNE primary school is celebrating after it secured an improved Ofsted rating and coming out of special measures.

Staff and pupils at Wildmoor Heath, in Lower Broadmoor Road, began the new term by finding out it has been graded as “requires improvement”, a step up from its previous “inadequate” rating – the lowest of four marks available.

The school was placed in special measures in December 2011 and had been subject to continuous monitoring since then.

However, now out of special measures its next Ofsted inspection will be in two years.

Grant Strudley joined the school as headteacher in January this year to provide stability and drive the school’s improvement plan forward.

He said: “We’ve been working hard to make many improvements to Wildmoor Heath and I’m delighted that Ofsted inspectors have recognised that hard work in their latest report.

“While it is pleasing to move up a rating, we are not complacent and know that more needs to be done.

“The school’s staff and I will continue to work with governors, pupils, parents and the council over the coming months to make sure Wildmoor Heath reaches its full potential.” Ofsted inspectors – who visited in July – praised Wildmoor Heath’s early years foundation stage for getting children ‘off to a good start’ and said children were happy and eager to learn.

Inspectors also praised Mr Strudley for knowing what improvements needed to be made and for focusing on raising pupils’ achievements.

They also acknowledged the governing body’s work had improved and children were well behaved and were safe at school.

The Ofsted inspectors’ report said: “Pupils behave well throughout the school and get on well with each other and with their teachers. Teachers build good relationships with their pupils and pupils learn in an atmosphere of care and support.” Ofsted inspectors noted that since the improvements, parents and carers are pleased with the school.