SPRING Common School in Huntingdon has been moved out of special measures. The special needs school, which in November 2006 was said to be inadequate by Ofsted inspectors, has improved hugely, with new headteacher Kim Taylor seen as the key to the school

SPRING Common School in Huntingdon has been moved out of special measures.

The special needs school, which in November 2006 was said to be inadequate by Ofsted inspectors, has improved hugely, with new headteacher Kim Taylor seen as the key to the school's success.

A team of Ofsted inspectors returned to the school in American Lane last month and were full of praise for Mrs Taylor's clear leadership which they believe has been the driving force behind the turnaround.

Mrs Taylor was appointed headteacher after the school was put into special measures and was said to have remedied its major weaknesses, including the quality of teaching and managing pupils' behaviour.

Chair of governors Christine Gilder said the school was delighted with the latest inspection.

"The lead inspector, who visited us regularly since 2007, believes that pupils are making progress with their learning and that our ability to continue to improve is good.

"Most importantly, inspectors found clear evidence that Kim Taylor has led us back to being an effective school with several good features.

"Until 2006, the school's work was judged outstanding by Ofsted. Governors and staff are determined to regain our reputation for excellent provision for young people with special needs.

"The best news of all was that inspectors see Spring Common School as 'going places', because that's what we all believe now."

Inspectors found:

- The overall effectiveness of the school was now satisfactory, with many parts that are good

- Pupils achievement had improved significantly

- Teaching is satisfactory overall, with some lessons good or outstanding

- Pupils are leaving Spring Common as confident young people

- The school governors had played their part in helping the school improve

The school was encouraged to further improve lessons with each pupils' needs in mind, create more exciting ways for youngsters to learn and include more outdoor activities and encourage students in ITC.

INFORMATION: Spring Common School caters for 141 pupils aged between two and 19 with learning difficulties.