A LOCAL primary school has been rated in the lowest category in three of the five Ofsted metrics following its latest inspection.
Summer Lane Primary had 312 children on its roll at the time of the inspection in January.
The report, which was published recently, shows that the school has worsened since its previous inspection in November 2023 where it was rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted.
Although Ofsted no longer provides an overall grade following an inspection, it does provide a rating for its five metrics.
Summer Lane was rated as inadequate - the lowest possible score - in quality of education, leadership and early years provision.
While the school’s behaviour and attitudes and personal development ‘requires improvement’.
A report said: “This school is going through a difficult period.
“Current leadership arrangements are temporary.
“New leaders have already got to know the school well.
“They have carefully prioritised next steps.
“However, their work to improve the school is in its very early stages.
“Pupils do not learn well. Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are not well supported.
“Some staff have low expectations of pupils with SEND.
“In the early years the activities that staff provide do not help children to learn and develop well.
“Many pupils are focused and keen to do well.
“They are safe and happy.
“However, when pupils lose focus, staff sometimes do not get them back on track quickly.”
The school is currently being led by an interim headteacher, who is temporarily seconded from another school, and leaders from a supporting multi-academy trust.
A new interim executive board (IEB) has just been established to strengthen governance of the school.
These temporary leaders have a clear and accurate view of the school’s strengths and areas that need developing, according to the report.
It added: “The new IEB has the necessary leadership experience to support the school to improve.
“The temporary leaders have identified the right priorities.
“They have a clear strategy to develop the school and a strong commitment to staff and pupils.
“However, at the time of this inspection, the school remains dependent on temporary leadership arrangements and external support.”
Coun Trevor Cave, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, told the Chronicle: “Summer Lane Primary recently received a Special Measures judgement following a recent Ofsted inspection.
"We're committed to making sure all children have access to high quality education; and have already implemented a support arrangement from a strong academy trust within the community to address the issues outlined.
"Within the report, the inspector noted the early signs of improvement, commenting positively about the well-designed new curriculum and the strengthening position of subject leadership.
"We will continue to support the setting to make the improvements required."
