The improved Ofsted rating at a South Oxhey school is a "testament to the hard work of the staff and their dedication to the children", according to the school's headteacher.

Greenfields Primary School, Ellesborough Close, was told it "requires improvement" after an inspection in January last year.

But staff at the school are celebrating after the education watchdog rated them as "good" following a two day inspection earlier this month.

Helen Cook, headteacher at Greenfields Primary School said: "We are delighted that all our hard work has been acknowledged by Ofsted.

"Every area that had been a focus for development has now been recognised as a strength of the school.

"It is a testament to the hard work of the staff and their dedication to the children. There is not one person who comes to work and does not put the children first."

Inspectors noted that "disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs receive effective support and make good progress" and said that "disadvantaged pupils attain similar standards to their classmates."

They added: "Pupils’ books show that teachers use marking effectively not only to celebrate their achievements, but also to point out clearly the ways in which they can improve their work. 

"Pupils respond well to this guidance; they learn that even by making mistakes they can learn, and are therefore encouraged to attempt challenging tasks."

Ofsted also praised the good behaviour of pupils at the school and said they had a "can do approach" to difficult tasks.

However, inspectors said "children who enter the Early Years Foundation Stage with limited skills do not catch up quickly enough. This part of the school requires improvement, as staff do not always ensure these children develop the skills to concentrate well on learning".

Ms Cook said: "We are looking at the early years because that was one of the things we need to improve, but in the report, it is in reference to a very small group of children." 

Ofsted said the school also needs to improve the school’s relationship with parents when it comes to promoting its values and noted "pupils do not have enough opportunities to fully develop their literacy skills by writing longer pieces of work."

In a letter sent to parents at the school, Simon Cooper, chairman of governors, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Cook for her dedication to the children and leading the school to this outcome. 

"I would also like to thank the staff of Greenfields who continue to work tirelessly for the benefit of all the children and also to thank you for your support.

"Finally, I would like to thank the children, who dazzled the inspectors with their superb attitude to learning and their pride, enthusiasm and enjoyment at being part of Greenfields School."