AN "INSPIRATIONAL" headteacher has been praised for turning around a struggling primary school.

When Kelly Macadam took over at Woodbank Primary School, in Brandlesholme, in April 2014, education watchdog Ofsted had deemed that it was in need of improvement.

But two years later, inspectors have given the school a 'Good' rating in all aspects and hailed Mrs Macadam's role in transforming the morale of staff to produce a rapid improvement.

The report, published after an inspection in April, said of her: "The headteacher is an outstanding leader who sets a very clear educational direction for the school. She has taken swift action to address underachievement. All the staff have welcomed the initiatives she has introduced to tackle concerns.

"The impact is clear: increased rates of progress are being made by pupils across the school. The newly formed senior management team and governing body add strength and experience to the leadership, ensuring that the school now has a strong capacity to move forward.

"The impact of change is apparent to all in the raised ambitions for the pupils and in an ethos that celebrates achievement. Pupils now learn in an attractive environment that is conducive to effective learning."

The school, which caters for 285 children aged three to 11, was told in 2014 that pupils were not making consistently good progress and that instability in the school's leadership had held it back.

The new report added: "Teacher’s assessment of pupils’ progress is thorough and accurate. Pupils who need extra help are identified swiftly and supported effectively. Consequently, pupils who have special educational needs or disability make good progress.

"Pupils and parents are highly appreciative of the positive changes to the school’s environment and to the emphasis on high-quality learning.

"The curriculum has been completely changed to ensure that it meets the interests and needs of the pupils. Pupils recall many happy memories,

especially the exciting visits to interesting places."

In order to achieve 'Outstanding' status, the school has been told to give more attention to pupils' spelling and presentation and build on the expertise of its English and maths leaders to raise attainment in other subjects.