STAFF at a Kidderminster school described as having serious weaknesses just two years ago are celebrating a change of fortunes with a glowing Ofsted report.Franche Middle School headteacher Phil Spurr with a copy of the Ofsted report.

Franche Middle School head teacher, Phil Spurr, said he was delighted the school had received "such a positive report," which said the weaknesses highlighted previously no longer existed and the management of teaching and learning had improved greatly.

The report - which described the school as "sound, improved and continually improving" - also noted that standards in literacy and numeracy had improved, with pupils being taught and learning well.

The overall quality of education was said to be good, with academic standards average overall and pupils' achievements' satisfactory.

Elsewhere, the report said pupils had "very good attitudes to learning" and described the leadership of the headteacher as "very good".

The inspector also stated the school had worked "very effectively" to engage pupils' interest in learning, to take account of their views and to make them feel safe and secure.

It was not all good news, however. While punctuality was described as good, the report ruled attendance was "unsatisfactory overall" and "very low in comparison with other schools" - with figures having fallen since the last inspection.

It was also stated that while the accommodation had improved with much attractive refurbishment, it was insufficient overall to meet the needs of the school fully.

Mr Spurr, however, said the inspection had confirmed the progress the school had made in a short time.

"The registered inspector felt the school was ready for lift-off to even better things and I believe she is right," he said, adding there were action plans in place to improve attendance and the school was trying to encourage parents not to take children away during term time.

Mr Spurr said he was delighted with the comments about the children and the inspector was impressed with improvement plans already in place to address the issues raised.