Ofsted: Walsall school's teaching and achievements inadequate

Edgar Stammers Primary Academy, in Coalpool, Walsall, has been given the lowest rating by education watchdogs in its first inspection since becoming an academy two years ago.

The report said standards in reading, writing and mathematics were well below the national average at the end of key stage one, while in key stage two, reading and maths standards were below average.

Teachers were criticised for not always planning work that is at the right level of difficulty, or adapt their teaching during lessons to help pupils learn more.

Bosses at the school said an action plan is already in place and are committed to improvements.

The report said: "Pupils' achievement is inadequate, and has been since the academy opened. They do not make enough progress across key stages one and two.

"Teaching has been inadequate since the academy opened, and there is still not enough strong teaching."

Inspectors said there were not enough opportunities for pupils to develop their reading, writing or maths skills by applying them in different subjects.

It said attendance was well below the national average and pupils' behaviour needed to improve.

Some leaders and governors at the Harden Road school were criticised for not improving the quality of teaching or raising pupils' achievement in the first year as an academy.

The report also said children in the nursery and reception classes were making good progress because of improved teaching and the newly appointed headteacher and deputy headteacher were taking positive steps to improve teaching and increase pupils' progress.

The newly reformed governing body was also praised for increasingly challenging senior leaders to do better.

Headteacher Sue Winson said: "We acknowledge the inspectors findings and are committed to the continued journey of improvement.

"The inspection has given us some clear areas to focus on and we are fully committed in continuing to work on these issues as quickly and effectively as possible.

"We already have an action plan and are working with teachers, parents, governors and the academy sponsors to roll out implementation.

"Everyone at the school is absolutely committed to achieving the highest standards of education for the benefit of all the children in school."

The school became an academy on July 1, 2013.

The governing body was restructured and reformed in September 2014.

When its predecessor school, Edgar Stammers Primary School, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to require improvement.

In the most recent inspection, inspectors visited lessons, examined pupils' books, talked to pupils about their work and had discussions with staff and governors.

Inspectors also took into account the views of parents who responded to an online questionnaire.

The academy, which has 327 pupils on roll, is sponsored by the Education Central Multi Academy Trust.