A SCHOOL is celebrating after receiving a wealth of praise from the education watchdog.

Knights Enham Nursery and Infant School, in King Arthurs Way, was visited by Ofsted inspectors last month for a short visit who graded the school as continuing to be 'good'.

Chair of governors Louise Maratos said "I am absolutely delighted. It validates the dedication and hard work of all our staff and is an inspirational setting for children to start their educational journey.

The report noted: "Pupils enjoy coming to Knights Enham Nursery and Infant School."

Interim executive headteacher, Sarah Jones, added that Ofsted had recognised that teaching at the school is 'highly effective' and that children make 'good progress' adding that she felt in the early years this is in part, due to having the only maintained nursery in Andover led by a qualified teacher.

Praising the leadership team at the school, the report reads: "In the last two years, there have been significant and frequent changes to the leadership of the school. Governors have worked with vision and determination to secure the long-term future of the school during the period of interim leadership.

"Since your [Ms Jones's] arrival as interim executive headteacher in October 2017, you have worked with determination to improve the quality of education at the school. Ably supported by two knowledgeable acting deputy headteachers, you have quickly grasped the school’s many strengths and set about addressing those aspects that needed improvement.

"There is a strong team spirit within the staff body, and staff like working at the school."

The inspectors also noted that safeguarding was effective, pupils felt safe in the school and there is a clear strategy to ensure that disadvantaged pupils achieve well.

Ms Jones added: "We are thrilled with this judgement."

Areas for improvement inspectors noted including raising attendance levels, ensuring the most able pupils in Key Stage 1 are able to work consistently at the higher standard in their writing, and to review the the impact of the pupil premium funding to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.