A SCHOOL threatened with closure if it did not improve is celebrating after being taken out of special measures.

Ofsted inspectors who visited Foley Park First School, Kidderminster, last February found serious weaknesses in pupils' attainment, assessment and management, and poor training for the deputy head and senior staff.

The Ofsted report found reading, writing and mathematics were well below average and the school had made poor progress since the previous inspection in January 1997.

Releasing the school from special measures, Ofsted inspector Caroline Bolton said: "The head teacher has shown effective leadership and clear educational vision.

"All staff have worked hard to move the school forward in providing high quality education"

Head teacher Carol Hine said: "Since coming to Foley Park in January 2001 my main aim has been to lead the school out of Special Measures. I now feel proud to lead a school, which is recognised and respected for its provision of primary education. It has been a real team effort and my thanks go out to all the staff, Governors, parents and pupils, who together make up our successful team."