‘Requires improvement’: Walsall school slips in Ofsted rating
A Walsall primary school has been told to improve following a disappointing Ofsted inspection.
Bentley West Primary School slipped from being rated as ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’ after a two-day inspection carried out in early May.
The main areas of concern for Ofsted were the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and the outcomes for pupils which resulted in the overall rating for the school.
Inspectors also said too few pupils make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics between Years 1-6, attainment at the end of key stage 2 is below national average, teachers do not challenge pupils well enough, children had limited knowledge of British values and different world religions.
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They added the proportion of pupils who are persistently absent is above the national average and has risen over the last three years.
In more positive news for the school, which is based in Monmouth Road and has 501 pupils on roll, inspectors did say the early years provision, leadership and personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupils remained good.
The report said: “Since her appointment in March 2018, the principal (Kate Magner) has set a clear and ambitious direction for the school.
Improvements
“She accurately assessed that improvements were needed to teaching and outcomes.
“Actions taken together with the head of school and an increasingly effective leadership team are beginning to bring about improvements, especially in reading.
“However, some initiatives introduced need further time to become established and show impact.”
The leadership team at the school has been told to improve the quality of teaching, further develop strategies to reduce persistent absenteeism and develop children’s knowledge of other faiths and British values.
Councillor Chris Towe, Portfolio Holder for Education & Skills said: “We recognise the points highlighted in the Ofsted report and will be working closely with the school’s leadership and board of governors to support them in the action plan development.
“By following these steps we are optimistic that by their next inspection that the school we will have a return to its generally high ratings.”
