Northside Primary School in Workington has made significant improvements since it was put into special measures last year, schools watchdog Ofsted has said.

An inspector carried out a monitoring inspection in June and have now published a report outlining the school’s progress.

It was put into special measures in October 2015 after being branded inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.

Effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes for pupils and early years provision were all deemed inadequate.

Personal development, behaviour and welfare and overall effectiveness at previous inspection were both deemed to require improvement.

Inspectors then raised concerns about a lack of clear direction from school leaders and inadequate progress made by pupils.

During their two-day monitoring visit, the inspector observed work in the school, scrutinised paperwork, met the executive headteacher, deputy headteacher, lead maths and English teachers and three governors.

She also spoke to staff, all junior pupils, seven parents and two county council representatives.

She said: “Strong, insightful and caring leadership from the executive headteacher is the key reason that Northside is on the road to recovery.

“She has quickly won the trust and confidence of governors, parents and pupils and united a fragile staff.

“Everyone is on board, all are embracing change and morale across the school is rising.

“No one is under any illusion that the improvement journey will be easy or swift.

“However, their perseverance is bearing fruit.”

The inspector said leaders and managers were taking effective action towards taking the school out of special measures and that plans drawn up by Cumbria County Council and the school were fit for purpose.

The school has been told it cannot appoint newly qualified teachers before the next monitoring inspection.

Samantha Kidd, executive headteacher, said: “This report reflects the hard work and commitment of staff and pupils at Northside.

“The school is moving forward and we will do everything we can to ensure its continued success.”