A PRIMARY school has been classed as failing by school inspectors.

Tonge Moor Primary School, which in 2013 was graded as good, has been placed into special measures by Ofsted which marked all but two areas as inadequate. The other areas were in need of improvement.

Ofsted inspectors stated: “This school requires special measures because it is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education.”

Senior leaders at the school and education officers at the local authority stressed that work is already underway to turn the school around.

Ofsted inspectors found that standards are “inadequate” across key stage one and two with “significant weaknesses” in pupils’ attainment and progress in reading, writing and mathematics. The report stated: “By the end of Year Six, pupils are not well prepared for the next stage of their education.

“In 2016, less than one in five pupils left the school with skills and knowledge at the standard expected for their age.”

Teaching learning and assessment were graded as inadequate with teachers’ expectations of pupils’ capabilities “too low” in many classes.

Pupils’ behaviour was described as requiring improvement, with children, particularly boys, becoming distracted and “silly” when they find their learning uninteresting.

But Ofsted inspectors did find that the headteacher has identified the “scale of improvements required” and that there are signs that improvement is taking place.

Inspectors reported: “The headteacher and deputy headteacher lead with drive and passion, and are getting to grips with the school’s complex and challenging position.”

They also found that the school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is good and that in early years children receive a nurturing start to their time at Tonge Moor.

Headteacher, Jo Riley said: “While we were disappointed with the inadequate judgement, we were pleased that Ofsted recognised the many positive elements of Tonge Moor.

“These included the good work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare, the effectiveness of safeguarding procedures and the improvements seen in outcomes in mathematics.

“We are also glad that the inspection team recognised that the leadership team at the school have already identified the improvements required and have the trust and support of staff and parents.

“The leadership team and governors, with the support of the council, will now be working to address the issues raised in the report.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We are disappointed by the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection and will work closely with the school to secure a strong future resulting in better outcomes for children attending Tonge Moor.”

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