THE head teacher of Downs Way School in Oxted is "determined" to improve her school after a disappointing Ofsted inspection.
According to the education watchdog the school is in need of improvement, and head teacher Sue Palmer wants to make sure it develops so she can "retire in happiness".
According to the report, published on December 14, pupils' achievement, the quality of teaching and the leadership and management of the school all "require improvement".
However, the school was rated "good" for the behaviour and safety of its 140 pupils, who are aged between four and seven.
Mrs Palmer, 63, said: "Pupils and parents love the school.
"We have a real family atmosphere and ethos. Pupils are taught to treat others as they would expect to be treated, which I think can really be seen here.
"The children look after each other and there is a no-bullying policy.
"Children know where to go if any issues arise."
While good achievement in reading was found, it was not matched by progress in writing and mathematics.
Mrs Palmer said: "We have made some great progress with reading in teaching the children what sounds make letters.
"We need to walk before we can run and we need to develop all the skills and then develop them.
"I think we now need to develop maths and writing in the same manner.
"But reading is the basis for all the other subjects.
"We know improvements need to be made and, along with hard work from myself and the teaching staff, having more support from the local authority will help to make this school a success."
Mrs Palmer, who has been at the school for 24 years, said her philosophy was to set children up for a future in education, with the Downs Way serving as a stepping stone for them to progress.
She added: "The inspector was very kind and I think that, although the categories have changed, we have gained more support from the local authority to help us improve and get into the 'good' category.
"We are all determined and we will succeed.
"I want us all to improve for the next inspection.
"That will mean that I can retire in happiness, knowing that the school is doing well."
