POLITE pupils and a successful new leadership have seen a Fareham school receive a good rating from Ofsted inspectors.
Orchard Lea Junior School went up from satisfactory to good.
Inspectors said that teaching at the school is good and that steps taken to raise the quality of teaching and learning have proved successful.
Pupils feel safe and behave well in lessons and around the school, and they are well cared for.
The report added the attainment and progress of pupils throughout the school has improved rapidly over the past four terms.
Headteacher Steve Summerton joined the school in September from Harrison Primary in Fareham.
He said he was pleased with the progress that has been made.
‘I’m pleased for the school and I am proud of what’s happened,’ he said.
‘It’s down to teamwork. Here, staff are very hard working and care passionately about the children that they work with.
‘They put in everything they can to make sure that the lessons are as exciting and as interesting as possible.
‘I’m pleased that the inspectors saw that.
‘I’m most pleased with the fact that the teaching was good.
‘That’s the thing that in the past the school hasn’t been recognised for.
‘They are a good bunch of teachers.’
The report also said that bullying among children is rare and if it does happen it is dealt with promptly.
Mr Summerton praised the pupils at the school.
‘The children are absolutely delightful,’ he added.
‘They are so proud of their school and so caring towards each other.
‘They enjoy their learning.
‘They are keen to tell you what they are doing and they are really involved in it.
‘The inspectors noticed how polite the children were.
‘They were trying to sell the school.
‘They want people to believe it’s as good as they say it is.’
Now, Mr Summerton will be working with staff to improve the school.
In order to become an outstanding school, inspectors said teaching must improve to raise achievement in English and maths further.
And the leadership team must spread existing strong practice in teaching and learning across the school, especially to extend the skills of more able pupils.
Mr Summerton said he believes the school has the capability to become outstanding.
‘The staff have got the potential,’ he said.
‘We’ve got to share the very best experience that we have got across the school.
‘We are ready for that next leap – that’s what a ‘good’ rating recognises.’
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