A primary school has been taken out of special measures after just 18 months.

Saltney Ferry CP School was slated by education watchdog Estyn in January last year after an inspection branded it 'unsatisfactory' in a host of categories including standards, wellbeing, learning experience and leadership.

It was placed in special measures following calls for Education Minister Huw Lewis AM to tackle the problems quickly.

Most schools tend to stay in special measures for around two years to allow time for improvements to be made and further inspections to be taken.

But staff and governors at Saltney Ferry CP were thrilled to find out the school would be out of them in time for the autumn term.

Headteacher Charlotte Luke said: “We are all delighted with the report and I feel that it is an accurate reflection of the school.

"There has been a massive amount of work completed over the past 18 months to improve standards and it is great to see Estyn recognising the huge change in the culture at the school, the hard work put in by all the staff and pupils and the impact it is having. In each of the recommendations we have been deemed to have made strong or very good progress.”

Chair of governors Louise Harris added: “I and the whole governing body are overjoyed by the latest Estyn inspection report confirming our removal from special measures. It recognises the hard work of staff in creating an effective learning environment where pupils are happy, developing skills and are supported to achieve their best.

“Saltney Ferry CP School provides a bright future for its pupils; it’s an exciting time to be involved with the school as it continues on its journey to becoming an outstanding learning environment.”

Cllr Richard Lloyd, who represents the area and is a governor at the school, has praised the hard work and dedication of staff.

He said: “Saltney Ferry Primary School has been removed from special measures. As the local member and a governor at the school I am absolutely over the moon.

“Everyone was very down about it at the time and some children were removed from the school.

“So I would like to congratulate all the staff, pupils, governors and parents who have been working so hard over the last 18 months.

“We now need to continue the hard work.”