THE school at the centre of a school meals row is celebrating not one, not two, but three Ofsted successes.

Christmas has come early for pupils and staff at Derwent Infant and Junior School in Tang Hall which has passed three Ofsted inspections in the past 12 months with flying colours.

In July this year, governors at Derwent Infants and Junior Schools backed plans to unite the two schools.

The resulting federation school means both have one overall governing body and one head teacher, but maintain separate budgets.

The governors believed this would provide stability and clear direction for education on the school site, following the early retirement of Phil Hare, the head teacher of the junior school.

Because the school is still officially two separate schools they had two separate Ofsted one for infants and one for juniors -both within seven weeks, and the infants had an inspector in accessing Citizenship.

There are currently 114 children at the infant school and 107 at the juniors and infant school head teacher Carole Torode became the new head teacher from the start of the autumn term, in September.

She is supported by a deputy head teacher at the infants, Ann Angood, and by deputy head David Lilley at the juniors, as well as school business manager Carole Tuck.

In October the school attracted attention from national newspaper and television media after The Press revealed school cook Theresa Topping's claims that she was being harassed by parents.

The cook claimed a rogue group of parents had set out to drive her from her job.

Mrs Topping said she had received abusive phone calls at work, which meant the school kitchens had to go ex-directory.

Parents denied the allegations and the school held a school meals taster session.

The leadership of the head teacher was flagged up by the inspection team at both schools as being extremely strong.

Head teacher Carol Torode said: "Two Ofsteds within seven weeks has to be some sort of record for one head teacher, but this has been very much a team effort.

"The staff at both schools have been fantastic and the children have been wonderful.

"Parents too have been extremely supportive and that is why we have done so well."


What the inspectors said

Derwent Junior School Ofsted Inspection 13-14 September 13, 2006* The leadership of the head teacher is good and her strategic management is the main reason why the school has moved on in such a short time.

* New teaching staff have been appointed and there is a strong team.

* The children are responding well to new policies and procedures and this is resulting in good behaviour as they know what is expected of them.

* Since becoming a federated school the Junior school has had a new lease of life. This has had a positive impact on the school.

* Attendance needs to be worked on with parents.

Derwent Infant School Ofsted Inspection, November 13, 2006.

* The head teacher combines a strong strategic vision with an eye for detail to secure the high standards she seeks.

* The staff form a strong and effective team. The quality of teaching is good and some is outstanding. This is reflected in improving standards and the good progress pupils make throughout the school.

* Staff are very committed to the pupils in their care. There are good partnerships with the agencies that support children. Pupils are happy in school and blossom in its supportive, positive atmosphere. Pupils enjoy learning and behave well.

* Work needs to be done with parents to help improve attendance.