A FAILING Birchwood school is on the road to recovery, new findings suggest.

Birchwood Primary has made 'reasonable progress' due to an 'increased incentive to achieve success' since it was blasted by Ofsted inspectors in January for not meeting the required standards expected of an educational institution.

The school on Admirals Road was consequently handed the lowest rating available to Ofsted of inadequate.

But, following its second monitoring inspection on October 7, inspectors praised the school for taking the necessary steps to improve.

In the report, which can be read in full on the Ofsted website, the school was described as a 'calm and inviting place'.

Pupils were praised for their behaviour and it was identified that governance places a high emphasis on keeping pupils safe.

School records show that over the last two terms pupils made better than expected progress in most classes. 

But it was noted that the school must be vigilant to ensure the gap between those pupils who need extra help in class, those who are disadvantaged and others starts to narrow rapidly. 

Inspector Eileen Mulgrew also heaped praise on the school's head teacher Dawn Rapson.

She said: "You have relished the opportunity to lead the school as the new head teacher. 

"Your enthusiasm, energy and determination to make this school good and raise pupils’ outcomes steer your work and that of the governing body."