IT WAS ice-creams all round at a York primary school to help celebrate its move from a ‘requires improvement’ rating to ‘good’.

Ofsted inspectors have said Park Grove School in the Groves is now good in all areas.

Following the inspection, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) splashed out on ice-cream for the whole school community to thank the pupils, parents and staff for their hard work and support.

The previous inspection, published in early 2014/late 2013, was among the first to use a new, more rigorous framework.

And while recognising that Park Grove was “a school on the up”, it understood that a “rigorous agenda to drive up standards” had already begun.

The 2016 Ofsted report, following the latest inspection, saw the impact of that agenda and gave the school ‘good’ grading all round. It said that school leaders “have made rapid improvements to key areas of concern... which have led to much better outcomes for the pupils”.

Ofsted reported that reading, writing and maths is in line with or above national averages, marking a strong improvement. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and they understand and cater for the needs of their pupils, said the report.

Inspectors recommended that leaders should identify accurately where improvements in teaching is needed and clearly communicating necessary actions, as well as reviewing the impact that actions have on pupils.

David Hare, chairman of governors, said: “I am delighted that the excellent leadership, teaching and pupil performance at Park Grove has been formally recognised by Ofsted with a ‘good’ rating in all categories.”

Head teacher Jo Sawyer said: “I was so impressed with the children during the inspection. Their behaviour and attitudes to learning were fantastic as always. They really deserved their ice-cream treat.

“The staff are delighted with the result as are the parents, governors and children. This is a fabulous achievement for the whole Park Grove School community.””

Mark Allison, parent and PTA treasurer, said: “Congratulations all round on a well-deserved achievement! The ‘good’ Ofsted rating is official confirmation of what parents already knew: that Park Grove is a fantastic place for our children to begin their academic journeys.”

Cllr Stuart Rawlings, City of York Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “The whole school community has come together to rise to the challenges set by Ofsted.”

Maxine Squire, assistant director of education, said: “This shows how strong leadership and consistently good teaching can make a difference.”