A North Norfolk school has been praised for providing a 'happy and encouraging environment' after what is almost certain to be its final inspection before it changes status.

Mundesley First School will become Mundesley Infant School in September 2011, as Norfolk County Council puts the finishing touches to changes that will see all youngsters transfer between schools at the end of key stages.

Ofsted visited the Trunch Road school, which has 137 pupils aged from four to eight and is led by headteacher Jeanette Thompson, on September 21 and 22.

They gave it an overall 'satisfactory' rating, and said: 'Since the last inspection the school has undergone numerous changes in staffing and governance, which the committed headteacher has managed carefully.

'Regular monitoring and evaluation of the school's performance throughout this period has ensured that satisfactory progress has been maintained.

'Pupils' satisfactory academic progress and average standards match the sound quality of teaching.'

The report said the curriculum, though 'sound', did not 'provide learning opportunities across subjects often enough'. Inspectors were also critical of provision for gifted and talented pupils, which was 'not carefully enough planned'.

For the full report, see www.ofsted.gov.uk.