GROVE Infant School on Portland has been recognised as an 'Investor in People' which reflects its success and the dedication of staff, and shows that it is an integral part of the Grove community.

Staff, governors and parents are all delighted with the recognition and headteacher Jane Hurdiss said: "Grove Infant School has shown once and for all that it is a 'people place' and this recent award reflects the 'family feel' at this successful and forward- thinking school."

In the Investors in People report it was stated that the decision to recognise the school in this way was made on the grounds that 'great emphasis is placed on teamworking in the school, all staff are clearly motivated to achieve the targets and goals of the school and governors are supportive.'

Other points in the school's favour were that "staff successes are celebrated, staff training is vital and ongoing and the headteacher is intuitively a people person, a fact that was re-inforced over and over by staff'.

The report reached its conclusion by stating that 'the school is small and works to its strengths and communication is very direct and effective'.

The last year has seen the opening of the first Foundation Stage Unit in Dorset for three to five-year-olds and this has meant employment for five extra staff.

The successful integration of the unit was commented on with the inspectors, stating: 'Little Stars has been very well integrated into the school and staff are working well as part of the overall team.'

Mrs Hurdiss added: "Several new members of the governing body and our fundraising FROGs committee, as well as the increased numbers of children in the school, show that Grove Infants is a growing organisation with people at the heart of the agenda."

The place that Grove Infant School holds in the heart of its surrounding community was vividly shown a few years ago when it was threatened with closure.

The community, people from other parts of the island and former pupils who now live elsewhere fought against the plans and were successful in keeping the school, which has continued to go from strength to strength.