A NEW Forest junior school, whose headteacher was absent for eight months last year before being reinstated, has been given a glowing report by Ofsted inspectors.

New Milton Junior has been rated as a good school overall but outstanding in the curriculum organised for the children and in the way staff ensure the youngsters' personal development and wellbeing.

Teaching and learning is seen as good, as are standards, with leadership and management at the Old Milton Road school also given an above average rating.

Only one area was deemed to be just satisfactory -the care, guidance and support of pupils in the feedback sometimes given to pupils about their work.

Head teacher John Crisp was sent home on leave in January 2006 following claims that he had ill-treated a child. Police took no action over the allegations and a second inquiry was carried out by Hampshire County Council as the local education authority.

When that was completed the matter was turned over to the school governors who reinstated the popular head.

The inspection report says the school, "provides its pupils with a good education. Standards are above average. The achievement of all pupils is good, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities and the most able.

"Children are enthusiastic about taking part in all that the school provides for them and have a good understanding of their local community and the wider world."

"The contribution of everyone, at every level, is a significant factor in New Milton Junior achieving what it has done, even under trying circumstances," said Mr Crisp.

"I am immensely proud of being part of that team and thank everyone within our community for the support and dedication they offer to the pupils and to the children themselves for what they add to the school."