A FAILING primary school where lessons are boring and bullying is not dealt with properly has been placed in special measures.
Barn Croft Primary School, in Brunel Road, Walthamstow, was deemed "inadequate", or level 4, in almost every area and Ofsted inspectors will now visit the school every term until it improves.
In a report published on May 1, lead inspector Sue Rogers said: "[The school] is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement.
"The pupils at this school make poor progress, attaining very low standards in English, mathematics and science and in their personal development, by the time they leave the school at the end of Year 6."
The report adds that bullying is not being properly addressed pupils find lessons boring, meaning they do not make adequate progress.
Early years provision was deemed "satisfactory", or level 3, by inspectors but scored level 4 in every other area with the exception of attendance.
It also states that effective steps have not been taken to improve since its last inspection in 2006.
The report continues: "Pupils do not enjoy school as much as they should. They say that, although they like the teachers, they 'could do better'. They are right, as teaching is inadequate.
"A significant number of parents who responded to the parental questionnaire are critical of the senior leadership of the school as they say that communication is not good enough, relationships with the pupils are weak and that learners are not always well enough cared for."
It concludes with a list of eight points on which the school needs to improve, including ensuring pupils are taught everything they should be and following problems and concerns raised by both pupils and parents.
The council has since confirmed that head teacher Martin Lubich has left the school and an acting head has been brought in to replace him.
Cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Chris Robbins said: "This report is obviously disappointing but must be taken as a catalyst for change, not as a negative statement.
"Plans have already been put in place to improve standards at the school and VT Education and Skills, our schools improvement contractor, are also in close discussion with the acting head teacher about the report's findings and how they can achieve improvements."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel