Oldbury primary school with students at risk of radicalisation is put in special measures
Oldbury's Rounds Green Primary School has been put into special measures, with weak leadership and poor teaching highlighted by the education watchdog.
The primary has been rated 'inadequate' in all areas and Ofsted inspectors said the school is leaving pupils open to the risk of 'radicalisation and exploitation'.
The school in Brades Road has 461 pupils on its roll, aged three to 11. It was inspected on November 9 and 10.
The Ofsted report said: "It is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement in the school.
"Pupils are not sufficiently aware of how to keep themselves safe, for example when using the internet or mobiles.
"They are not taught how to identify the risk or dangers of child exploitation and radicalisation."
Inspectors found that attendance among staff and pupils is poor and incidents involving bullying are not managed well enough.
Inspectors said pupils are underachieving with teachers unclear about specific skills that need to be developed.
The school has also had 'significant changes of staff' with eight teachers leaving last year and five classes currently being taught by supply teachers.
An interim headteacher has been in the post since September 2016 and inspectors have advised that newly-qualified teachers should not be appointed to the school.
The report states that the interim headteacher has quickly and accurately identified the existing weaknesses, begun to taken effective action and has been called 'inspirational' by fellow staff.
Ofsted inspectors also said pupils were polite and well-mannered during the inspection and the sports premium funding has been used effectively, helping pupils to develop healthy lifestyles.
Linda Deeley, interim headteacher and chair of governors, said: "The staff and board of governors are absolutely committed to providing the best possible education for all of our pupils.
"We are obviously disappointed in the report's findings, however, the report clearly recognises that the school had already identified the appropriate school improvement priorities required and are taking the necessary remedial steps.
"We are certain that with the continued support of governors, staff, local authority, parents and wider school community, we will rapidly make the changes identified within Ofsted's report."
