WOODLANDS First School in Salisbury is well-placed to make a successful transition to a primary school this September.

The announcement, made by Ofsted inspectors during their recent inspection of the Bemerton Heath school, comes as building works starts on a new teaching block for the older children.

This is expected to open in October and will accommodate about 30 Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.

Four Ofsted inspectors have rated the school as "good" and one that provides good value for money.

Governors and staff are particularly pleased, as standards have risen dramatically since the last inspection in June 1998.

The inspectors said the level of achievement by pupils learning information communication technology in Years 3 and 4 was particularly noteworthy.

Teaching at the 160-pupil school is now considered good, often very good, and teachers know their subjects and the needs of the children.

The nursery and reception classes do very well and children with special educational needs are achieving a very good standard.

Teaching assistants and volunteers, who support the pupils both in their learning and their behaviour, were highly praised by the Ofsted team.

Other strengths highlighted in the report include the inclusion of all pupils in the complete life of the school, Woodlands' close links with other schools and the local community, the school's positive links with parents and the pupils' successful ability to work on their own.

Following on from the inspection, the school is now working hard to create more opportunities for pupils to discuss their learning with adults and each other, and to increase the number of children reaching Level 3 at the end of Year 2.