A POOLE primary school is celebrating after being named “good” and “improving” following its latest Ofsted inspection.

Manorside Combined School in Evering Avenue, Parkstone, had been given a “satisfactory” rating in September 2009, but the inspectors said a range of “very carefully planned changes” had since improved the quality of teaching .

As a result, pupils’ progress had also improved significantly. In last year’s national assessments at the end of year six, many pupils who had started from well below average had reached broadly average standards.

The report said most pupils also behaved well, felt safe at school, and learnt to be confident that adults would deal quickly with any incidents that may arise.

The inspectors said the school had not been given the highest grade because there was not yet enough outstanding teaching. Pupils’ progress occasionally slowed because they were not always given challenging enough activities.

But head teacher Helen Roderick gave “strong direction” and senior school leaders were working together to lift the quality of teaching.

She said: “Staff and governors at Manorside are committed to providing the best possible opportunities for all our pupils.

“We were delighted to have the success of our work recognised in this very positive report.”

Manorside has 277 pupils with a well-above average proportion eligible for the pupil premium .