PROGRESS at Herne Junior School in Petersfield has been rewarded, with Ofsted inspectors giving the school a 'resounding thumbs up'. The school had been put on special measures three years ago, but the latest report shows that positive changes have turned its fortunes around. In this latest report, after inspections were carried out last month, the school was praised for the personal development and well-being of the children, and for "outstanding leadership". The Love Lane-based school caters for children aged seven to 11, with 423 pupils on the school roll. The school, which will have completely new green uniform from September, sees the report as a metaphorical "green for go". Headteacher Tony Markham said: "This pleasing report has been a fantastic team effort based on sheer hard work that has turned the school into the vibrant place it is now. We are very proud of this joint achievement by the children, staff, governors, parents, and members of our local community." Ofsted inpsectors noted in their report that there was a "genuine feeling of teamwork among all adults who share a vision of continued improvement". Chairman of governors Maureen Page said: "I'm sure parents will have seen the fantastic effort put into this by their children's teachers and this has been recognised by the governors as well as Ofsted." The school was put into special measures by Ofsted in September 2005 and given a 'notice to improve' last year. As a result of this latest inspection, Herne was given a clean bill of health and taken out of the watchful eye of Her Majesty's inspectors. Among comments included in the report were that "Pupils clearly enjoy school very much and are keen to learn" and "...outstanding leadership by the headteacher, with the recently-appointed deputy headteacher and assistant headteacher, has steered the school forward very effectively". The report added that "the work of the reorganised governing body has been very good. They provide an excellent mix of constructive challenge, support and guidance". And it concluded that "many parents agreed with the one who wrote: 'I am extremely pleased with everything that is happening at the school. Mr Markham is a fantastic head, who is liked and respected by pupils and parents. I feel very optimistic about the school and feel lucky that my children are there'". In a letter to pupils explaining the findings of the Ofsted inspection, lead inspector David Marshall said: "We think the school provides you with a satisfactory education, but we agree with what you told us – it is getting better and better. "The headteacher and teachers have created a caring school community where you enjoy learning and feel safe. You behave well in lessons and like to concentrate on your work. You also enjoy and benefit from the range of opportunities the school provides in clubs and visits to interesting places." The school has been set targets by Ofsted to continue its improvement, to ensure consistency in lessons across the school, and to continue building middle leadership at all levels within the school. The positive Ofsted report followed another school success earlier this year, when its football team won the Hampshire Cup. Mr Markham added: "The capacity for the school to improve was judged as good. This latest Ofsted report gives us the perfect platform to consolidate our progress and to go from strength to strength. An excellent school is all we want for the children at Herne and we're well on the way."