OFSTED REPORT: Langdown Infant School, Lytton Road, Hythe

LANGDOWN Infant School in Hythe has survived three years of staffing upheavals to produce a standard of work which pleased an Ofsted inspection team.

The school in Lytton Road changed head teacher every term last year and over the past two years all but one teacher in the school has left and been replaced.

But Langdown's present head, Colin Stevens, took the tiller in September 2001, and is steering the 107-pupil school in the right direction, according to inspectors.

"The new head understands what the school needs to do to improve and has a clear vision of how this will be achieved," said David Marshall, inspection leader.

"Langdown Infant School provides a good quality education and a happy and stimulating learning environment and is good value for money."

Staff at Langdown were delighted that the inspectors had noticed how everyone had pulled together to improve standards, despite the recent changes.

Ian Herding, chairman of governors, said: "We are like one big happy family, giving each other the support and encouragement needed to make a difference."

Mr Stevens said: "We recognise there is always room to improve and I am confident we will continue to do so in a caring and positive environment."