A SPECIAL school is celebrating after making improvements to be judged as “good” in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Mountjoy School in Beaminster was marked as “good” overall and “outstanding” for personal development, behaviour and welfare, following the inspection last month.

At the school’s previous Ofsted inspection in 2013, it was told it “requires improvement”.

Three years ago, the school’s leadership and management was criticised for “weaknesses” - leading to a lack of direction, failure to carry out some legal responsibilities relating to teachers’ performance objectives and insufficiently robust governance.

Head teacher Jackie Shanks has described the latest result as a “real turning point for the school”.

She said: “I am delighted with the result of Ofsted’s inspection.

“It marks a real turning point for the school.

“Everyone involved with the school has made enormous strides forward and I’m so proud to have been a part of that.

“There’s no time for complacency though.

“It will take a concerted effort to keep us moving forward but in the mean time I think we have all earned a well deserved pat on the back.”

Inspectors praised the school, which has 49 pupils with learning difficulties or complex needs.

The report said: “Since the last inspection the new headteacher has provided clear, decisive leadership.

“She has effectively tackled any poor performance and ensured good standards in all areas of the school.

“Teachers know their pupils well.

“As a result they plan lessons that interest and engage pupils in their learning. Pupils enjoy the tasks that are set for them.

“There is a positive climate for learning in classes. This is created by the strong relationships pupils have with their teachers and teaching assistants.”

Inspectors also said that governors “understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school” and that school staff “provide excellent support to pupils and their families.”

Pupils told inspectors they took “great pride in the school and their work” and the school was described as a “calm and orderly environment”.

The report said the school was not yet outstanding because “not all pupils have access to the most suitable ways of learning to meet their particular needs” and “in some lessons, work is not well matched to pupils’ abilities”.

Tracy Scammell, chairman of governors, welcomed the report and praised everyone’s efforts..

She said: “I am very pleased that the dedication, hard work and commitment by the head teacher and all the staff, pupils, parents and governors of Mountjoy School has been recognised by Ofsted as good.

“This is an excellent and truly deserving result for the whole school.”