A SCHOOL branded ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted - the only primary school in the borough to get this worst possible rating from the watchdog - said it is acting fast to improving the quality of teaching and results.
Weald Junior School in Robin Hood Drive, Harrow Weald, was awarded the lowest of four gradings by education inspectors in a report published on Monday and has been placed in special measures.
Classroom experts were concerned at the teaching practices, the type of work set, children’s behaviour, the lack of insight of the then-headteacher and senior leadership team, and the absence of governance, and found youngsters eligible for the pupil premium, the targeted extra Government cash meant to help boost the achievements of disadvantaged children, were two years behind their peers in literacy.
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Ofsted said: “Inadequate teaching means that pupils make slow progress over time.
“Basic literacy skills such as spelling, grammar and punctuation are not taught well enough to enable pupils’ writing to improve quickly.
“Teachers do not help pupils by showing them where they could improve.
“They do not expect enough of the pupils or set work at the right level of challenge; it is often too hard or too easy.
“The school does not properly use additional funding from the government to enable particular groups of pupils to attain as well as others.”
Michael Curtin, the headteacher who oversaw a 'Good' Ofsted inspection in 2008 and was in post at the time of March’s inspection, retired in April after 17 years.
The same month Margaret Bainbridge joined as interim headteacher alongside new executive headteacher Darren Aisthorpe, who remains headteacher of the Ofsted-rating 'Good' Elmgrove Primary School and Nursery in Kenmore Avenue, Kenton, to implement a plan to address Ofsted’s four recommendations.
Mr Aisthorpe said: “We are acting swiftly and strongly to address all of Ofsted’s recommendations in full.
“I am already confident that the school is moving forward and I am here to support Weald Juniors with additional strategy and advice.”
Ofsted further recommended an external review of governance and the use of the Mrs Bainbridge said: “From the work we have already undertaken this term, we have a clear picture of what we must do to raise standards and the achievement of all pupils.
“We are introducing new ways of communicating with our parents so that they are fully involved in our journey to become a good school.”
Chairwoman of governors Marie-Louise Nolan said: “The school faces many challenges, but the governors have acted quickly and strongly to address Ofsted’s recommendations on leadership and management.
“The new leadership team is working closely in partnership with us and the Local Authority to drive the necessary significant improvements in teaching and learning across the school.”
Aylward Primary School in Stanmore was rated 'Inadequate' in June 2013 but in March this year was re-inspected and found to gone up to 'Requires improvement'.
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