Five years after a shock downgrade to “inadequate: by Ofsted, Hertsmere Jewish Primary School has fought its way back and has now been rated as a good school.

As a result of its previous inspection, the Radlett-based primary was placed in special measures and, forced to become part of an academy set-up, it joined the United Synagogue-run Jewish Community Academy Trust. Although behaviour and teaching was good, it had fallen down on issues of leadership and management.

But inspectors who returned last month have given it a positive all-round report, observing a “happy and inclusive culture” and a “vibrant buzz and community spirit around the school”.

Every morning “gets off to a good start with friendly greetings between staff and pupils,” Ofsted said. “These kind, respectful relationships continue throughout the day. Older pupils love to help younger pupils in classes and at breaktimes,” Ofsted said.

Pupils “know the high standard” of behaviour expected of them and are “eager to learn” from early years up.

When they occasionally lost focus in lessons, teachers “gently” reminded them of the rules.

“Adults ask questions that promote curiosity,” Ofsted said. “Even the youngest children learn to persevere when tasks are hard.”

In most subjects, teachers had the right training and support to put curriculum plans in place.

While reading outcomes were high, there was “even more to do to ensure that all pupils progress well in key stage 2,” inspectors said.

HJPS was “quick to spot” pupiils with special educational needs or disabilities.

Pupils were taught to stay safe online and learned about healthy eating, lifestyles and relationships.

Safeguarding arrangements — an area in which the school had incurred criticism five years ago — were now effective, Ofsted said.