A BASINGSTOKE junior school which was asked to improve has taken "effective action" to address problem areas, according to Ofsted.

The education watchdog visited Merton Junior School, in Romsey Close, Popley, on October 20, and in a letter to headteacher Helen Palmer, Her Majesty’s Inspector, Caroline Dulon, said: "You have wasted no time in putting into place important changes to address the areas identified in your last inspection. Your positive and determined response has ensured that all staff understand what needs to be done and are playing their part in making improvements."

The letter, published on November 16, added: "You have worked closely with teachers to redefine their responsibilities and make sure that their ambitions for pupils are suitably high. You have reviewed your expectations and ensured that only the best is good enough in all aspects of the school's work."

The last time the school was visited by Ofsted, in May this year, it was graded as "requires improvement".

Since then, three teachers have left and five new teachers have joined.

The school has started a phased expansion from two-form entry to three-form entry, and in September this year two additional classes opened, bringing the total to 10.

The headteacher has worked closely with leaders from good schools to identify ways to improve since the previous inspection, and has worked with the local authority.

The inspector said: "As a result, you have a sound understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school. The action plan is well focused to tackle the areas requiring improvement identified at the last inspection."

She added: "Governors receive helpful information about pupils' progress from school leaders. However, they do not yet make the best use of pupil progress information, to further challenge leaders."