THE new head teacher at a failing Taunton primary school is promising improvements.

Claire Watson had only been at Priorswood Primary School three weeks when it was inspected by OFSTED, resulting in it being placed in special measures.

Miss Waldron was praised for her “astute view of the school’s strengths and weaknesses” and pupils’ behaviour was commended.

The previous inspection, in 2009, rated the school good, but there have been three heads since.

The report noted “promising changes”, including staff morale, better organised teaching and child safety.

Miss Waldron said: “The children in our school are fantastically well-behaved and enjoy coming. They deserve the best.

“The staff are very hardworking and, with the continued support of parents, I’m confident we can improve.

“Our focus will be on learning and teaching.

“We’re doing a lot of planning so we’ll improve the children’s assessment and achievement.

“I’ll also be strongly emphasising the importance of children improving their attendance because every day counts when it comes to their education.”

Somerset County Council cabinet member for children’s services Cllr John Osman said: “We could easily have seen an entirely different rating for Priorswood if the inspectors had come later in the year.

“With a new head appointed, I’m confident a strong and steady hand will guide the school successfully.”

Chairman of governors Martin Hughes said Priorswood was recovering from “two years of turbulence”.

He added: “This report must be treated as a positive thing which will enable our staff and governors to turn this situation around and take the school to the highest possible level.”