Primary set on improvement after criticism

St. Paul's School, Royton

A PRIMARY school said that it is already taking action after it was rated as "requires improvement" by Ofsted.

Inspectors from the education watchdog visited St Paul's CE Primary in Hindle Drive, Royton, two months after new head teacher Hilary Henderson, whom they praised, took up her post at the start of January.

They found that pupils' attainment was well below the national average in 2016 and too many pupils did not do as well as they could, including disadvantaged children and the most able.

Inconsistent teaching and frequent staff changes had resulted in some pupils underachieving.

The school was also told to improve its leadership and management, but the inspectors made many positive comments and praised the school's "caring ethos" and "polite and well-mannered" pupils.

They said St Paul's had used sport funding well to encourage pupils to take part in a wide range of activities, and also highlighted their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

The inspectors' report added: "The new head teacher has an honest and accurate understanding of the school's performance. She is working on the right priorities for improvement.

"Recent interventions from the local authority and additional support for leadership have strengthened provision. As a result, pupils are making better progress in reading."

A new deputy head teacher and three new teachers have recently been appointed to help continue the improvements.

The school said: "The governors, the local authority and the diocese are working with the school which, under the new leadership, has already recognised areas for development and is already implementing strategies to increase standards in teaching and learning across the curriculum.

"It has introduced a comprehensive programme focussed on raising attainment in writing and phonics and there is a recognition that pupils are making better progress in reading.

"Parents, governors and the diocese have a good understanding of the improvements necessary to secure the best outcomes for all children."