A Garston primary school has improved its Ofsted rating from satisfactory to good following its most recent inspection.

Garston Manor School, in Horseshoe Lane, has been rated ‘good’ by the schools watchdog - an improvement on 2009’s ‘satisfactory’ inspection.

The report praised the supportive environment created by staff and the individual attention given to each student.

Headmistress Julie Lowman said: "I am really happy as it reflects all the hard work of the students, parents and carers. It is really good news and shows we are a forward thinking school."

Mrs Lowman, who has worked at the school for 24 years, began her employment as a part-time P.E. teacher. She has been in the role of headmistress for the past 5 years.

Speaking to the Watford Observer she emphasised that the new rating was "a team effort".

Garston Manor is a specialist school catering for children with moderate learning difficulties, autism and speech and language related needs. The latest report said: "Teachers manage pupils’ behaviour well" adding "the nature of homework has been revised this term to make the tasks more flexible".

But inspectors recommended greater emphasis be put on improving reading skills.

Looking to the future, Mrs Lowman said: "One always aims for outstanding".