“A school with serious weaknesses”

A WARRINGTON primary school has been identified as “a school with serious weaknesses” – less than two years after it was judged to be “satisfactory.”
Achievement of pupils at Birchwood CE Primary is now “inadequate” according to education watchdogs Ofsted.
The quality of teaching, the behaviour and safety of pupils and the leadership and management of the school all require improvement, say the inspectors.
In their report on the school, the inspectors say: “For the last three years attainment at the end of both Key Stages 1 and 2 has been significantly below the national average.
“Achievement is inadequate because most pupils, especially girls, disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs, do not make enough progress in Years 1 to 6.
“Too few pupils attain higher levels in national tests at the end of Key Stage 1 and 2.
“Teaching requires improvement because expectations of what pupils can achieve are not high enough to ensure that all pupils progress well and enjoy learning.”
The report goes on to say too few pupils improve their literacy and numeracy skills by practising them in other subjects and too few apply their mathematical skills to solve practical problems.
Management of pupils’ behaviour is inconsistent. Some pupils lose concentration and behave inappropriately when the pace of learning slows and activities do not challenge or interest them.
Ofsted says until recently, senior leaders, managers and governors have not done enough to eradicate inadequate teaching and support weaker teachers.
However, the school does have some strengths. Senior leaders, including governors, are taking decisive action to improve teaching and achievement.
Standards are beginning to improve, particularly in reading and children in the Early Years Foundation Stage make good progress. Leaders and governors have a well-developed understanding of what the school needs to do to improve and have eradicated inadequate teaching.
Attendance has improved and pupils say that they feel safe and enjoy going to school.
The school’s relationship with parents, the church and the community is improving.
Warrington Borough Council says decisive action is being taken to drive up standards and achievements at the school.
Governors and school leaders have a clear plan of improvement and are confident that they can make positive changes at the school.
Acting headteacher Dawn Rapson, said: “As the inspectors noted, we have a well-developed understanding of what the school needs to do to improve and we strongly believe we are already on a clear path of improvement and will continue to work together, with the support of the local authority, to raise outcomes for all our children.
“We are also delighted that the Ofsted report highlighted key strengths at the school and we are very proud of these. Such positive comments also provide us with the encouragement and determination we need to continue to make changes in key areas such as quality of teaching and leadership that will have a positive impact on our pupils’ achievements.”
The council’s operational director for children and young people’s universal services, Sarah Callaghan, said: “We have been assisting the school in a number of ways including carrying out a review of governance and senior advisors. A national leader of education and a specialist leader of education have been provided as additional support. We will continue to monitor progress and are confident that they can build a bright future at the school.”
A meeting is being held at the school on Wednesday, March 5 between 5-6.30pm to which parents have been invited.