Redditch school placed in special measures

Following an inspection in November the school, in Crabbs Cross, has received a damning report from Ofsted in which inspectors ruled overall effectiveness was “inadequate”.

In a summary of key findings the report stated that pupils’ progress is inadequate, the quality of teaching is inadequate, too many lessons fail to engage or motivate pupils and some subjects are not taught in sufficient depth.

It also stated that leaders and governors have not had a clear understanding of the issues facing the school and that it does not have the capacity to improve without outside help.

The report did mention a few strengths however, saying that there is good teaching in the early years foundation stage, relationships between staff and pupils are friendly and while still inadequate, there has been improvement in pupils’ behaviour.

John Edwards, Worcestershire County Council's head of learning and achievement, said: "The local authority had been working with the governors and staff well in advance of this inspection in order to address the already identified concerns around standards and leadership.

“This has included brokering a partnership and leadership support arrangement with Vaynor First School which the report acknowledges has already had significant impact, though as yet has had insufficient time to resolve all of the issues.”

Since the previous headteacher left in February last year, Sue Foster-Agg, headteacher at nearby Vaynor, has been looking after the school.

Mr Edwards added: “Discussions are now in progress to secure this arrangement as a permanent solution, together with continued local authority support, which will bring rapid and sustainable improvement."

Now placed in special measures the school will receive regular monitoring by Ofsted inspectors.