A primary school that had the worst possible Ofsted rating for three years has made some positive steps following another visit by inspectors.

Stanborough Primary School in Watford has shaken off its ‘inadequate’ tag but still ‘requires improvement’, inspectors concluded.

A report published by Ofsted this week found that the quality of education provided still needs to be better as does early years provision. Leadership and management was also earmarked for improvement.

Inspectors recognised staff have built on good work that has been undertaken since the last visit in February, adding they “remain true to their commitment to provide pupils with an ambitious, creative curriculum”.

Read more: School retains 'inadequate' rating after Ofsted inspection

But some concerns were raised about how some parts of the curriculum are designed and delivered, with it being described as “uneven” in one or two classes.

The school’s approach to identifying special educational needs and/or disabilities could also be improved and making sure children taking the step from reception to year 1 are better “prepared” for what’s to come was also highlighted.

Behaviour at the school was praised with pupils described by inspectors as “happy and well-behaved” and shaped by the school’s “values”.

Read more: Latest primary school Ofsted reports round-up in Watford area

Responding to the latest Ofsted report, head teacher Tiann Madden said: “In March 2019, the school was judged inadequate under the old inspection framework. However, in our most recent inspection, under the new framework which is more robust and rigorous, the school was judged overall to be within the category of ‘requires improvement’ with areas of ‘good’.

“In addition, the school has now met all of the independent standards. Therefore, we are pleased the latest report highlights the journey and progress the school has made."

Watford Observer: Pupils from Stanborough Primary School taking part in a tree planting to mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Image: Stanborough Primary SchoolPupils from Stanborough Primary School taking part in a tree planting to mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Image: Stanborough Primary School (Image: Stanborough Primary School)

Mrs Madden continued: “Since being in post since September 2019, my goal was to ensure we would meet all of the independent standards and that we would be able to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for our pupils.

“Leaders and governors have remained true to our commitment. Our pupils embody our school values and vision and we are immensely proud of them and we have an incredibly supportive school community.

“Our journey is only just beginning and we are excited to implement further changes which will raise standards and further improve outcomes for our pupils.”

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