A SPECIAL needs school which had been branded 'inadequate' has made vast improvements, according to a latest inspection.

Lansbury Bridge School was awarded a ‘good’ rating after a recent inspection by education watchdog Ofsted.

The news comes just less than a year after it was announced the school had been placed in special measures following an inspection in December 2014.

The Parr-based school was deemed 'good' in its effectiveness of leadership and management, its quality of teaching, learning and assessment, its personal development, behaviour and welfare, the outcomes of pupils and for early year provision.

Inspectors highlighted the improvement in leadership and management and praised the headteacher’s "strong vision to further improve the school to become outstanding".

They also commented on the "outstanding" work shown by the school to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare, after inspectors had found safeguarding to be inadequate last year.

Inspectors noted: "Pupils are safe in school. They and their parents also feel that is the case. This is helped by leaders’ taking prompt and effective action when they identify issues which could be a threat to the welfare of pupils".

They also added: “Leadership and management of the school has improved markedly since the previous inspection.

"The headteacher has a strong vision to improve the school to become outstanding, she is supported well by senior leaders, middle leaders and the staff team as a whole.

“This, along with appropriate challenge from governors and the backing of parents, has resulted in a solid base from which to improve further.”

The watchdog said in order to become an 'outstanding' school, teachers should challenge more able pupils to reach higher standards and suggested planned activities are matched to the specific needs or interests of pupils to keep their concentration.

Commenting on the improved rating, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for education and lifelong learning Cllr Jeanette Banks said:

“The report makes excellent reading and it really reflects the excellent work the staff have put in since December 2014 to move Lansbury Bridge out of special measures.”

Lansbury head teacher Jane Grecic praised the efforts of those to help turn the school around.

She said: “I’m overjoyed with our latest inspection. It’s a great testimony to all the hard work put in by all those involved here at Lansbury Bridge who have played a crucial role in developing our school into a good school.

"We’re very much looking forward to the future and are already looking at ways to further enhance our reputation."