A Whittlesey school, told six months ago it needed to improve, says it is delighted for being praised for raising its game.

Park Lane Primary and Nursery School was inspected in October 2016 when it was told it had to improve in every area apart from in early years.

But in a second visit last month, inspector Tracy Fielding said it was the “most stable position it has been for a long time.”

Rob Litten, executive headteacher, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the teachers, the support staff and governors has been recognised by this report, which shows that we have made rapid progress as a school since October 2016.

“Our children are a delight and deserve to have the very best education we can provide for them.

“We will continue to improve as a school, as we need to do the very best for every single pupil.”

Ms Fielding said “senior leaders and governors are taking effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement” and that they were making “rapid progress”.

To continue the good work, she said that newer leaders must look at their actions more effectively, so they can explain the difference it is making to pupils and the school.

She praised:

• Improving quality of teaching.

• Refining the assessment system.

• Sharpening of teacher planning.

• A new curriculum which has “re-invigorated teaching”.

• Improvement in the quality of the pupils’ work and writing.

• Further improvements in provision for disadvantaged pupils.

• Governors’ knowledge of the school and how they ask more probing questions in meetings focused on progress and attainment.

The Aspire Learning Trust, along with the external adviser, are providing effective support and rigorous challenge to school leaders to further improve the school, Ms Fielding’s report adds.

Mr Litten said: “We are very pleased that Ofsted have recognised improvements made in the school since October but we can assure you that we will not rest on this report and will keep moving forward to ensure Park Lane provides the very best education for pupils.”

• Six months ago the 480 pupil school was told it needed improving.

• In September 2015, following what Ofsted said was “a period of turbulence”, the new headteacher brought a renewed sense of vision.

• In October 2016 Ofsted noted considerable change in the leadership, since the school became an academy in January 2014.

• In the last year the school has changed academy sponsor from Whittlesey Learning Trust to become part of the Aspire Learning Trust.