STAFF and children at Ferndown First School are celebrating after its latest Ofsted inspection revealed a dramatic improvement in standards.

Just two years ago the school, which caters for children up to the age of nine, was described as satisfactory and a number of failings were identified.

But this year inspectors rated the school as good and said attainment is now above the level expected for the age of the children. They concluded: “This is a good school which has made rapid improvement since its last inspection. “The school’s success is due to the very strong leadership provided by the head teacher and her success in building a team of staff and governors who are working together well to move the school forward.”

Inspectors, who visited the school earlier this term, also commented on the “positive attitude to learning” displayed by the pupils and the “good behaviour” shown in the school.

Samba lessons are just one of the varied activities enjoyed by the children, who are described in the report as “friendly young people”.

Head teacher Jo Di-Pede said she is delighted the school has been rated as good and added: “Our children leave us with attainment better than that of most pupils their age, which is a really good platform on which to build their future lives.”

And Bob Hooper, chair of governors, added: “Ofsted’s judgements are testament to the hard work and passion shown by Mrs Di-Pede and her staff. “I’m proud that Ferndown First School has gained the recognition it so richly deserves.”