IT WAS told by Ofsted it was required to improve – now a York primary school has done just that after being rated ‘good’ by the education watchdog.

A new report on Clifton Green Primary School says head teacher Dave Brown’s ‘inspirational leadership’ is exceptionally well supported by the deputy and assistant head teacher and a committed staff, has secured improvement and moved the school forward rapidly.

The report, compiled after an inspection in May, says pupils are well behaved and well mannered in and out of class, enjoy learning and say they feel safe and secure in school.

Teaching is good, with pupils asked searching questions, and teaching assistants also make a good contribution to pupils’ learning and progress.

There is also praise for the school’s governing body, which is said to be thorough and skillful, and instrumental in helping the school improve.

However, the school is not yet outstanding because expectations of what pupils can achieve are not always high enough, and standards of reading and writing in Key Stage 1 are not as strong as in maths because pupils’ phonic skills are not good enough yet.

The report is in marked contrast with one in March last year, in which the school dropped down the rankings from ‘outstanding’ and inspectors said it needed improvement in all areas.

Mr Brown said yesterday he was really pleased the inspection team had recognised the many good things going on in school, including the areas which had improved since the previous inspection.

“The rapid progress we have made in a relatively short space of time has been a real team effort and is down to the commitment of staff, pupils, parents, governors and the local authority,” he said.

“We strive to be a school where children not only have high achievement, but experience op - portunities that enrich their lives, a school that has family and community at its heart.

“We still have our lots to do on our journey to becoming an even better, outstanding school – all of us at Clifton Green passionately believe that Better Never Stops...”

Councillor Janet Looker, cabinet member for education on City of York Council, said: “Pupils, parents and staff at Clifton Green School have always been rightly proud of their school, but I’m delighted that the recent Ofsted rating has recognised their hard work.

“To achieve a ‘good’ rating so soon after the previous inspection is testament to the commit - ment and dedication of all those involved.”