A CHRISTCHURCH primary school placed in special measures has made big steps towards improving.

Somerford Primary School in Christchurch was slammed by Ofsted after an inspection last summer, which said the school was inadequate.

Inspectors were critical of former school leaders and teachers, as well as pupils’ behaviour and a lack of progress.

But following the start of a major improvement programme, led by experienced new headteacher Sandra Matthews, who joined the school as a result of the issues, the situation is improving.

A monitoring inspection in November noted a rise in staff morale and motivation to bring about changes and said there is no longer any inadequate teaching due to the headteacher’s regular visits to classes.

Sixteen staff left the school with five new teachers, including two assistant headteachers and six support staff, joining the school in September.

Chairman of governors, Peter Pretlove, said: “A training programme has helped increase teachers’ subject knowledge, and pupils have an improved rate of learning.

“Dorset County Council is working closely with the school to improve standards, and has provided additional resources to help with our monitoring work.

“We now have stronger links with parents and the wider community and governors meet frequently with parents.

“With the new leadership team put in place last summer, we have made real progress in meeting Ofsted’s targets for improvement, and the inspector found that our improvement plan was fit for purpose.

“But we are not complacent.

“Everyone connected with the school is totally committed to getting it back on track and providing the community with a school they can be proud of.”