IT’S been a long journey, but they’re going in the right direction – and fast.

Staff and pupils at a Hampshire school that was five years ago given notice to improve by inspectors are now celebrating after receiving a “good” grade in their latest report.

Ofsted officials said Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh has “improved very significantly” since the last time they visited.

They praised the way Norwood, in Chamberlayne Road, was joined with nearby The Crescent Primary School in 2007 in a bid to help boost standards, and head teacher Veronica Stoodley arrived in September 2007.

She said she is delighted that the school’s progress has been recognised.

She said: “It’s been such a journey that everyone has been on. They’ve all worked so hard, they’re very talented teachers, and the children here are absolutely brilliant.

“There’s more to do, and now it’s about how we build on that.

“We want to make sure both schools are offering really high quality education for the children of Eastleigh.”

Inspector David Collard praised teaching at the school, which he said is now “consistently good”, and said the “extremely effective”

early years foundation provision helps ensure “children get off to a flying start in their education”.

He also graded pupils’ behaviour, and the care, guidance and support they receive, as “outstanding”.

Mr Collard wrote: “Behaviour is excellent and everybody tries to help one another. For example, when one pupil got distressed during a lesson, others quickly and sensibly helped her get over the problem.

“There is a noticeably harmonious atmosphere such as in singing assemblies and at lunchtime, and pupils feel safe while in school.”

He also praised Mrs Stoodley’s impact since arriving at Norwood.

Mr Collard said: “She has engendered a common sense of purpose and, along with the good support of other leaders, is driving forward a whole range of successful initiatives.”

Mrs Stoodley said everyone has been very supportive of her efforts.

She said: “I think very quickly everyone just got on board because they wanted it to be better.

“There’s only so many knocks you can take before you stop believing in yourself, but when people believe they can do something things actually improve.

“It’s exciting. We’re oversubscribed now for the first time in I don’t know how many years.”

Full Ofsted Report

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