GOVERNORS at Dorchester's St Mary's Catholic First School say they are pleased with its latest OFSTED report.

The report recognises all the good features of the school and says its spiritual and cultural development is excellent.

OFSTED inspectors, who visited the school in June, said the school was satisfactory and recognised the improvements developed over the last year. They felt that the school has evaluated itself well and clearly knows its future priorities.

The report by lead inspector Eileen Chadwick said: "The acting headteacher was appointed in September 2006 after an extended period of uncertainty and unsettled senior leadership.

"The acting headteacher is leading the school very capably. "She is building strong teamwork amongst staff, harnessing their talents and creating effective management systems for raising standards and achievement.

"The recently-created leadership team has identified the right priorities for improvement and is tackling them well."

The inspectors said pupils' enjoyment of lessons and their attendance were good and their curriculum is enriched by a wide range of activities and by interesting visits.

Dave Diaz, chairman of the governors, said: "The tremendous efforts of staff over the last year are clearly demonstrated throughout the Ofsted report.

"Inspectors also praised the pupils who, during the inspection, were said to be polite, well mannered and proud of their school. This is a pleasing report which signifies the school is moving forward positively."

He said that the school had an exciting time ahead, with plans to expand.

"This is an exciting time for St Mary's as we look to the future.

"We are developing the school buildings with a new project beginning in January 2008.

"This will involve building two new classrooms to create an Early Years base for the reception and for Year One classes."

Further plans to develop a new hall, entrance and office suite will take place in due course.