NEW leaders at a Poole junior school have been praised for their determination to improve standards.

Branksome Heath Junior School was rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ following a recent Ofsted inspection.

But a development plan being implemented by new executive headteacher Sarah Lee was praised and inspectors said things are getting better.

A team of inspectors found that attainment in writing is low, the quality of teaching is not consistently good and that pupils in some year groups do not have enough opportunities to develop their skills in maths.

They also criticised the behaviour of some pupils and said attendance is not good enough.

Mrs Lee took over in September when Branksome Heath joined forces with Sylvan Infant School.

Her leadership, along with that of other senior staff members and the school governors, were rated as ‘Good’.

Inspectors added: “Pupils are now making rapid progress due to the improved quality of teaching.

“Pupils say they feel safe in school and are well looked after by the adults they work with.

“The governing body has successfully provided the necessary challenge to the leadership team and effected major change,” said inspectors.

The school, in Livingstone Road, Parkstone, has 392 pupils between the ages of seven and 11.

Head of school is Andrew Brown.

It officially joined forces with Sylvan in January to become the Livingstone Road Primary Fed-eration.

Chair of governors Quenten Walker said he and vice-chairs Wendy Olive and Carol Brown are “pleased the inspectors acknowledged that the improvements are having an impact on pupils’ progress and that pupils stated they were happy in school”.