A PRIMARY school is celebrating after being rated as "good" for the first time.
Ofsted inspectors visited Furzefield Primary School in Merstham last month and observed 20 lessons during two days.
They concluded the school had made significant improvements since the last time the education watchdog visited in January 2011, when it was deemed "satisfactory".
Head teacher Susan Chrysanthou said: "It is quite an historic moment for Furzefield because it is the first time we have had this judgement from Ofsted. It is quite significant progress.
"We are really delighted. It has been hard work since the last inspection but it is really nice to have all the improvements recognised and endorsed by Ofsted."
The inspectors' conclusion stated: "Standards in both English and mathematics have risen steadily over the last three years. Teaching and learning are good across the school and some teaching in Key Stage 2 is outstanding."
Children make good progress, inspectors noted, from a starting point that is below average.
"Pupils are keen and enthusiastic to attend school and show positive attitudes both to each other and to their learning," said the report. "They enjoy their lessons and behave well in and around school."
They also praised leadership at the Delabole Road school.
Mrs Chrysanthou said innovations introduced by staff – such as a good behaviour raffle – were taking effect.
"The atmosphere within the school is very caring, very considerate, and that is something that was commented on by the inspectors," she said.
"The children show real consideration for one another, and the teachers create opportunities for the children to recognise good work and good achievements by their peers.
"I am very lucky to work with a really good senior leadership team. Together as a team we have put quite a few things in place which have turned around behaviour, improved the teaching and the learning and enhanced the achievement of the pupils.
"It is a wonderful school and it is a really nice to have that recognised by others."
To further improve, the inspectors advised the school to promote independent learning; to focus on grammar, spelling and punctuation for Key Stage 2 pupils; and to ensure parents and carers fully understand the school's systems and feel that their views are always heard and valued.
