A school which was placed into special measures more than a year ago is continuing to improve.

After its most recent Ofsted inspection, Richmond Primary in Sheerness has been told it is making good progress overall; at the previous monitoring visit, it was satisfactory.

Kent County Council appointed Lilac Sky Schools to turn around the fortunes of the school in Nursery Close after its damning Ofsted report in October 2011.

The report, the fourth since it was put into special measures, was published last month.

Inspectors visited 17 lessons and observed senior staff and all teachers.

They found there had been a significant increase in the pace of improvement since the last visit and far more pupils were now working at the expectations for their ages.

It goes on to say progress in maths has been rapid in most year groups, showing focus on improving teaching and learning in the subject is paying off.

Richmond Primary School principal Annie Donaldson has praised her team

It also notes that the amount and quality of work by pupils is increasing; the quality of teaching has improved significantly; lessons are planned carefully; adults provide good role models and celebrate achievement and give children more interesting learning opportunities.

Improvements in pupils’ attitudes and behaviour have continued and contribute to the positive atmosphere and they are attentive, co-operative, polite and friendly.

The report says there has been a recent increase in the number of pupils arriving late, but principal Annie Donaldson said there was no problem and it was noted in the middle of the snowy period when it was a struggle to get in.

One issue raised was concern about KCC’s continuing failure to provide clear guidance for the interim board.

KCC says issues are resolved and the board now feels well informed and supported.

Ms Donaldson said the positive report is thanks to the children, parents and staff – who she calls Team Richmond.

“It’s a really fantastic report,” she said.

“The school is going from strength to strength.

“The main things are that the children are now in a routine of happy learning which is really important.”