AN EXCELLENT Ofsted report has come just at the right time for New Forest special school Oak Lodge - named last month in a list of 13 schools on the Waterside facing possible closure or amalgamation.

A team of eight inspectors found that Oak Lodge is "a good and effective school where pupils are taught well".

They also found the 106-pupil school in Roman Road, Dibden Purlieu, offered "good value for money" and featured "good leadership and management".

The inspectors' words were warmly

welcomed by Beverley Hawker, head teacher at the award-winning school for 11 to 16-year- olds with learning problems.

"Oak Lodge could be scheduled for closure as a result of a recent review by the local authority. We just want it kept in people's minds that this is in the offing," she said.

Mrs Hawker said the county's plan was at an early stage and it was not certain yet what would happen, but there would be a chance for staff, governors and parents to have their say.

"The local community has provided enormous support to Oak Lodge," said Mrs Hawker.

"They helped us open our new £180,000 Creative Arts wing. The inspectors commented positively about the condition of the school's accommodation and saw the new wing as an excellent addition."

Mrs Hawker added that the school has won the School Achievement award since 1992 and has recently been assessed for an Investor in People award.

"All we are saying is, 'Look, we are a good school.' We have an outstanding team of professionals who are totally committed to seeing pupils develop to the best of their ability. This report shows how successful they have been."

Strengths

Pupils make good progress because they are taught well. Very effective monitoring of the school's performance has raised the overall standard of teaching.

The academic, social and communication needs of pupils with more complex difficulties are addressed very well.

All pupils make good progress in their social and personal development because of very good relationships between all members of the school's community, and effective procedures for promoting good behaviour.

Pupils have a positive attitude. They are enthusiastic and keen to be involved. Attendance is very good.

The careers and vocational education programme - including work experience opportunities - prepares pupils very well.

Effective use is made of links with the local community and other schools and colleges.

To be improved

Arrangements for curriculum planning.

Assessment and recording of pupils' achievements.

Specialist subject knowledge of some teachers.

Breadth of individual education plans.

Numeracy and citizenship teaching.

Standards

Pupils are assessed as good or very good across the curriculum. Personal, social and health education are very good.

Teaching and learning

The quality of teaching and learning is good and generally meets the needs of all pupils, though the highest-attaining pupils need more challenge.

All those who teach are committed to providing meaningful and interesting experiences to help their pupils learn.

Hampshire's education officers announced last month that they would be carrying out a review of surplus places at six infant and four junior schools in the Totton and Waterside area, plus three special schools - Oak Lodge, Forest Edge and Salterns.