PUPILS and staff at a Poole junior school are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors rated it as Good.

At its last inspection Oakdale Junior School was deemed as Requires Improvement but this time inspectors noted vast improvements in all areas.

A team of three inspectors spent two days at the School Lane school, currently attended by 501 pupils between the ages of seven and 11.

They said: "Leaders' high expectations of staff and pupils have improved the quality of teaching and behaviour.

"The curriculum is a strength of the school - it interests and excites pupils so that they acquire knowledge and develop a range of skills."

They said pupils make more rapid progress than before, writing has improved, teaching is improving and pupils are respectful of staff, each other and the school environment.

But inspectors said it is not yet an Outstanding school because leaders and governors do not have a sharp enough grasp of the progress of different groups of pupils.

They said some parents don't feel that communication between home and school is effective and some higher-attaining pupils are not making enough progress.

Head teacher Eileen Bissell said everyone was "absolutely delighted" and added: "It reflects the hard work of all the staff, parents and pupils. We are very proud of our pupils and of our whole community. It is a great achievement."

Mrs Bissell continued to say that the governors, leaders and whole school team remain committed to continuing the school’s journey towards ‘Outstanding’.

Oakdale has recently joined five other local schools to create the Harbourside Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust, with the aim of providing the best learning experience for children across Poole.

Parents and members of the community are invited to attend an open evening on Wednesday October 19 at 6pm. Daily tours are also available each morning throughout October and November. Please contact the school office if you would like to book a place on a tour - 01202 685800 or via office@oakdalejunior.co.uk