An infant school has been told it is in 'safe hands' following a one-day inspection which confirmed its 'good' rating.

Ofsted said Priscilla Crane, the head of Sparkhawk Infant School, in Sprowston, had successfully led it through a period of significant change, including an increase in pupils, and building extensions.

Following her visit on December 3, inspector Heather Yaxley wrote: 'It is clear that the school is in safe hands because leaders at all levels are thorough in checking and assessing the school's work. As a result, they know what works well and act quickly when improvements are needed.'

Mrs Crane said she was pleased the report recognised the staff 'are a strong team', finding they were 'united in their determination to find that extra piece of the jigsaw that will enable each pupil to succeed'.

Mrs Crane, who has been at the school for 18 months, said: 'I'm particularly glad they put it in. I don't think you will get another school where the team is so strong. Everyone always says there's a feel to the school.'

The report also praised the school's 'outward-looking approach' to checking the quality of teaching and learning, which sees it bring in new ideas through collaborating with local schools, visiting high-performing schools, and involving council advisers.

The letter recommended four next steps for the school, including ensuring attendance is in line with the national average, and pupils reach the expected standard in phonics.

Mrs Crane said: 'The school deserved to be outstanding next time, and I know that when the inspectors come in three or four years time we should be outstanding.'

She added that she was keen to work with other schools to help them on their roads to success.

Do you have an education story? Email martin.george@archant.co.uk