'Inadequate' Bloxwich school put in special measures
A school rated ‘inadequate’ across the board has been put in special measures.
Busill Jones Primary School, in Ashley Road, Bloxwich, was given the low rating for its leadership, quality of teaching and personal development.
A report released by Ofsted inspectors this week highlighted how children were making very slow progress, including disadvantaged pupils, with the most able underachieving in all year groups.
Inspectors also said teaching was not effective because pupils were not challenged enough.
Further concerns were raised over safeguarding as the school’s systems and premises did not keep pupils safe.
Inspectors discovered gates and doors were left open, allowing unsupervised access to the site, and an outdoor area was considered unsuitable by health and safety officials.
It was noted attendance, which was below the national average in the last three years, was continuing to fall.
One strength highlighted in the report was music tuition, with pupils playing a range of instruments with skill and to a high standard.
Walsall Council had met with school support leaders prior to the inspection to improve the standards.
Councillor Chris Towe, portfolio holder for education and skills, said: “We are committed to working with the school in providing the appropriate support towards a ‘good’ rating at the next Ofsted inspection.
“We will be looking at identifying a high-performing local school in order to drive progress rapidly across the school and to raise standards for all pupils.”
