JUST under a year ago Netley Marsh Infant School was doing so badly that it was put on special measures following a dreadful Ofsted inspection.

Drastic change was needed and in September it came in the shape of new head teacher Laura Dickson and four additional members of staff.

Inspectors have been returning to the small school at regular intervals and on their latest visit they were thrilled with the progress that is being made.

Miss Dickson told the Daily Echo: "We are absolutely delighted and feel it's a really true reflection on how the school currently is.

"The staff and children have all worked extremely hard to get to where we are today and we have got a really positive future."

Miss Dickson puts the turnaround down to a massive team effort and a staff shake-up which saw her arrival along with three new teachers and a new administration and finance officer.

The latest inspection report said: "The school has made rapid progress since the start of the new term, especially in improving the quality of the teaching and learning and the consistency of the curriculum throughout the school."

It added: "The head teacher is a very effective leader. She has skilfully led and managed all the improvements, providing the teachers with appropriate training, support and guidance to enable them to do their job well."

When the school was placed on special measures in January, a detailed action plan was drawn up detailing targets that the school had to reach in about two years.

The recent inspection focused on the pupils' standards of attainment and their progress, the quality of education provided, the leadership and management of the school, the pupils' attitudes and behaviour and the progress that has been made in implementing the action plan.

Netley Marsh Infant School will now continue to work towards its goals.

Further improvements are scheduled for the school in the new year. Buildings will be revamped and a new playground will be situated next to the school's large playing field.