BETTER teaching and a hard work have led to a school improving its Ofsted rating.

The overall rating at Hillhouse Primary School on the Ninefields Estate, in Waltham Abbey, has gone from Satisfactory to Good, with some areas marked as Outstanding.

Ofsted cited teaching standards and good progress made by children as they pass through the school as key reasons for the new rating.

The report by Government inspector Rob Crompton said: “This is a good school. A concerted effort by staff and governors, under the excellent leadership of the headteacher and deputy, has led to significant improvements over recent years.

“Parents hold the school in high regard. One summed up the views of the vast majority with her comment, 'I’m really happy with everything the school does for my son and the support given to the whole family'.”

Headteacher Helen Springett said: “Obviously we are absolutely delighted about the report and it reflects the immense hard work that the whole staff team including pupils have put into achieving our aims.

“We have driven staff making sure every child is known and achieves their absolute best.”