TWO Halton schools have achieved fast recoveries endorsed by glowing Ofsted inspections.

Victoria Road Primary School has been transformed from ‘requiring improvement’ to ‘good with outstanding features’ in 18 months.

Ditton Nursery School, which was in special measures a year ago, has now been graded ‘good’ in all areas.

Sue Taylor, head teacher of Victoria Road, which has 212 pupils, said: ”We’re absolutely delighted.

“High standards in everything is the key thing.

“We’ve got great, committed staff, delightful children and a gorgeous learning environment.

“We are now going for outstanding.”

Ofsted inspector Lyn Pender said: “Teaching is consistently good.

“The head teacher’s strong leadership is clearly focused on continuing to improve standards.

“The behaviour of pupils is outstanding. Pupils behave exceptionally well in class. 

"The school provides a warm, welcoming and well-organised learning environment.

"The excellent relationships that exist between pupils and all adults contribute well to the good learning that takes place.

"Pupils have outstanding attitudes to their learning. They want to do well and they appreciate the help they are given. 

"They do not give up when the work is more difficult. Instead, they try harder. Pupils also support one another well in lessons."

Jane Kennedy, head teacher of Ditton Nursery, which has 78 pupils, said: “Staff have worked tirelessly and have accepted and embraced the necessary changes.

“Their commitment to the school has been exceptional and it is this combined effort which has led to such a rapid and dramatic improvement in such a short space of time.”

Ofsted inspector Allan Torr said: “Ditton Nursery has improved quickly and is now a school that you would want to send your children to.

“The head teacher has transformed this school that was failing a year ago into one that is clearly good.

"She has galvanised the staff and governors to make significant improvements to children’s attendance, behaviour, safety and achievement.”