A NEW leadership team has transformed a primary school into one where children are excited about learning, according to education watchdog Ofsted.

Washacre Primary School has been lifted from the “requires improvement” category to be rated "good".

In September 2017, the school lost its good rating after “staffing and leadership turbulence” impacted on children’s learning.

Following a recent visit to the Westhoughton school, Ofsted reported: “The new leadership team ensures that its own high expectations are shared and understood by everyone at the school. Leaders and staff expect pupils to do their best. Pupils respond well to staff’s help and encouragement.”

Ofsted added: “Pupils are happy and proud to be part of this school. Pupils said that they trust staff and that they feel safe at the school.”

Inspectors said they were told by parents and pupils that children’s behaviour has improved “a lot” since the last inspection.

The school now has a new curriculum.

“The considerable improvements that leaders have made since the previous inspection means more pupils achieve well in a range of subjects. Even so, weaknesses in the previous curriculum mean that some pupils have gaps in their knowledge,” reported Ofsted, which added: “Pupils behave well in classrooms because they are so excited about what they will learn next. This has a positive effect on their learning. The atmosphere in the school is calm, relaxed and happy.”

Pupils' personal development was described as “central to the school’s work”.

“Pupils were keen to tell us that they are always looking to help others to ‘choose and be kind’,” stated inspectors.

Children in the early years were described as “enjoying their learning” and were said to “achieve well”.

Governors were praised for providing strong support and challenge for the school and having the skills to help the school “become even better”.