A SCHOOL that was judged to be inadequate by Ofsted inspectors last autumn made a positive start under the watch of a new head teacher.

Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School in Parr was found to have serious weaknesses, resulting in the introduction of special measures to get it back on track.

It led to the resignation of then head teacher Kate Barlow last October.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool, which runs the school, installed Christine Mason, the head teacher at St Aidan’s Primary School in Wigan, as acting head of Holy Spirit in mid-November.

Inspectors who made a monitoring visit to the school in December, believe Mrs Mason, who works out of Holy Spirit, Brunswick Street, for three days a week, is making improvements.

She has put in place “vital systems” for checking quality of teaching as well as pupils’ progress, behaviour and safety.

In a report, school inspector Eileen Mulgrew, wrote: “The acting head has brought enthusiasm, experience and a clear-sighted resolve to ensure pupils receive the best possible education.

“Through her calm but decisive manner she has raised staff morale and parents’ confidence in the school.”

The archdiocese and St Helens Council put together a strategic plan to lead the school to improvement and this has been linked to an achievement-raising plan drawn up by Mrs Mason.

Improving teaching is said to be “at the core” of her strategy.

Governors, meanwhile, have completed training in pupil progress information, meaning they are in a stronger position to hold teachers to account over performance.

The report adds that a small group of governors are now meeting monthly to ensure stricter checks on the school.

Mrs Mulgrew added: “Much has been achieved in the short time the acting head teacher has led the school.

“However, it is essential this positive start drives momentum.”