ONE of the largest primary schools in Waltham Forest has been taken out of special measures.
Newport Primary in Newport Road, Leyton, was put under close scrutiny by watchdog Ofsted back in October 2008, after inspectors severely criticised its performance.
But the school was assessed as having a "good" potential for future improvement, following an inspection last month.
In a report, Ofsted rated the standards as "satisfactory" overall and hailed the rapid progress made in recent years.
There was particular praise for headteacher Prue Barnes, who joined the school in September 2009.
Inspectors also said poor teaching had been “eradicated”.
The report said: “Parents, carers and staff are in no doubt that the rapid improvement made by the school is a result of the strong leadership of the headteacher and her senior teachers.
“Levels of confidence are high among the school community...[and] the school has a good capacity to continue on its journey of improvement”.
New policies, such as having two deputy headteachers to deal with separate responsibilities, were credited with the upturn in performance.
It also said support from Waltham Forest Council had improved.
However, inspectors said there was still room for improvement in areas such as maths and science.
But overall Ms Barnes said she was delighted at the report.
She added: "The report correctly identifies that this has been a team effort and that the success of the school has reinstated it at the heart of the community.
"We are all very proud to be associated with Newport and greatly appreciate all the support and encouragement we have received.
"The children at Newport are really very special and deserve the greatest education we can provide.
"I am confident with the team we have that the school is well placed to continue to grow and succeed."
Leyton MP John Cryer also praised the school’s acheivement.
He said: “I am delighted that the recent Ofsted report shows that the school has rapidly improved and as a result come out of special measures.
"This is great news for the local community and I praise the strong leadership of Ms Barnes and her staff for all their dedication and commitment.”
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