Walsall primary school ordered to make improvements
A primary school in Walsall has been ordered to make improvements after Ofsted inspectors were critical of inconsistent teaching and pupil weaknesses in writing and maths.
They also raised concerns over youngsters' attendance and governors not being fully effective in holding leaders at Pinfold Street Primary in Darlaston to account.
However, the school in Pinfold Street said improvements had been made and the assessment showed rates of progress were increasing with results at Key Stage 1 and pupil behaviour getting better.
The school, which has more than 370 students, was given the former satisfactory 'three' rating by Ofsted following the visit last month which means it requires improvement.
One of the school's main areas to boost is mathematical skills and measures to be introduced include numeracy passports, family learning and reviewing the timetable for more practical and applied opportunities.
Booster tuition classes have already been introduced along with additional staff support in all classes. A school newspaper, a new website, redecoration and refurbishment scheme and an extended senior management team are also among the latest actions.
Headteacher Sally-Ann Sinclair, who took over the school in early 2012, said staff were 'on board' with new ways of working. She said there had been 'rapid positive change and progress'.
In highlighting areas that needed improvement, lead Ofsted inspector Derek Aitken said: "Weaknesses in pupils' writing and mathematical skills hold back their progress. A substantial number of pupils find it hard to construct long sentences and paragraphs."
However, he added: "The headteacher's energetic and rigorous approach to all aspects of school improvement is working well."
