CHILDREN are not being given an acceptable standard of education at West Ashton Primary, according to Ofsted who have placed the school into special measures.

Their report, published on Wednesday, found the school 'inadequate' in effectiveness of leadership and management as well as early years provision.

The quality of teaching, personal development and outcome of pupils, was rated as 'requiring improvement' – a downgrade on their overall previous 'good' rating.

Inspector Ken Buxton said: “The school does not have the leadership capacity to make the improvements needed. Teaching does not inspire pupils, as teachers’ expectations are too low and they do not implement the school’s marking policy consistently. As a result, pupils are not learning how to improve the quality of their work.

“The early years leader’s understanding of how to promote children’s learning is inadequate."

"Pupils, including the most able, do not make good progress from their starting points and achieve standards in line with their full potential.

“The behaviour of a few pupils also impedes the learning of others.”

The report added that attendance is lower than average and some pupils are often late for school, which has a negative impact on their learning.

The Bratton Road school’s last inspection in 2011, where they were rated as good, outlined improvements such as challenging pupils more but Mr Buxton said the “leaders’ actions to improve these weaknesses have not been successful”.

The staff were, however, praised on the care and safety they provide to pupils and inspectors were told by parents that they have a high regard for the school.

West Ashton's chairman of governors, Ellie Green, said: “We take Ofsted’s comments very seriously and we are already addressing the issue raised. In particular, the leadership and management concerns are being addressed by the senior leadership team under the direction of the local authority’s advisory head teacher.“We would like to assure everyone that positive and active measures are being implemented to return the school to its good, or better, grading as soon as we can.”

Headteacher Dr Sam Nash added: “I would like to reassure the children, parents and local communities that I and all staff are committed to addressing the key priorities identified by Ofsted.”