Racist abuse and an exclusion rate 10 times national average: Shocking violence at Dudley primary school

Woodside Community School has been put into special measures after inspectors deemed it inadequate following a visit in April.

The inspection report said there was widespread underachievement at the 340-pupil school in Highgate Road, where many pupils were said to have been thrown out for physical violence against classmates.

Teachers were criticised for not covering the National Curriculum in some areas of study and for failing to control pupils' behaviour or mark work accurately.

Woodside's headteacher Sally Bloomer said she was extremely upset and disappointed with the report, which she feels does not paint an entirely accurate picture of the school.

In his report, lead inspector David Driscoll wrote that low level disruption was common during lessons, with pupils complaining that the poor behaviour of others often prevents them from working.

"The school's work to keep pupils safe and secure is inadequate," the report continued.

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"Many of the exclusions are for violent conduct towards other pupils, including incidents, for example, where pupils have been kicked in the head or stomach.

"The number of such incidents has not reduced this year when compared to last."

The report said that pupils from minority ethnic groups had told inspectors they were called racist names but did not inform staff. Mr Driscoll noted: "The school's logs show that there have been no racist incidents recorded over the last two years."

Leadership and management at the school had overseen a drop in standards from the previous 'requires improvement' inspection of May 2013, according to the report.

"Behaviour is worse and attendance has fallen," it said. "The school's culture does not support good teaching and positive behaviour." The report stated the number of pupils excluded for poor behaviour is around 10 times the national average and many of them are disadvantaged. Many of those excluded have to be excluded more than once.

The quality of teaching was also branded inadequate.

Marking was criticised for being too generous, while disadvantaged pupils were said to be two years behind pupils nationally at maths, and four terms behind in reading and writing at Key Stage 2.

The gap in achievement between disadvantaged pupils and others was said to have narrowed significantly in 2014 – but only because the attainment of other pupils had dropped to such low levels.

The school's early years' provision was given a slightly better rating of 'requires improvement'. Pupils were said to make better progress at Key Stage 1 where 'teaching is better'.

Headteacher Mrs Bloomer said: "We are extremely upset and disappointed with the report and the outcome of the inspection.

"We do not feel that the report is an entirely accurate picture of where our school is currently, and does not reflect the hard work that children, parents, staff and governors have put into this school over recent years.

"I would assure parents that the governing body has complete confidence in the leadership team of the school, to drive forward improvements and standards and will be supporting the school completely to improve our Ofsted rating as quickly as possible."

Councillor Ian Cooper said: "We are now carefully reviewing the details and recommendations contained within the report."