A NORTH Cumbrian primary school has been plunged into special measures after failing an inspection.

Education watchdog Ofsted has published a critical report into the operation of Longtown Primary School, judging it to be 'inadequate'.

Leaders of the Mary Street school are contesting the inspection and its findings, claiming that it does not paint an "accurate picture".

It is understood the school has lodged a formal complaint with Ofsted following the publication of its latest inspectors' report.

The school's overall effectiveness has been judged to be 'inadequate' following an inspection in January. Inspectors' findings have just been published.

In a breakdown of the areas scrutinised, inspectors have also ruled that the effectiveness of the school's leadership and management; personal development, behaviour and welfare; pupils' outcomes; and early years provision are also 'inadequate'.

The quality of teaching, learning and assessment at Longtown Primary School fared slightly better, having been judged as 'requiring improvement'.

Key findings include: 

  • safeguarding is not effective and procedures in place to keep children safe are insecure
  • leaders' evaluations of the school are "inaccurate and too generous"
  •  leaders do not have a grasp of the changes that need to take place to improve pupils' learning because they do not systemically check on the quality of teaching and have insufficient awareness of weaknesses
  • leaders and teachers do not all have high enough expectations for pupils' progress, leading to underachievement
  • while there is good teaching in year six, teaching in other year groups is "frequently uninspiring and does not stimulate children's curiosity". As a result pupils do not make enough progress, the report states.
  • leaders do not identify or tackle bullying decisively and effectively
  • too many repeated incidents of poor behaviour from a very small minority of pupils that make other children feel unsafe in school
  • too few children leave early years having developed the skills, understanding and knowledge they need to start key stage one
  • governors and leaders have not ensured that funding to support disadvantaged pupils is used effectively
  • the curriculum is not well organised and does not meet the needs of pupils.

Governors do not challenge leaders enough, inspectors adds.

Inspectors stated that the school's strengths included an improvement in attendance rates and a drop in the proportion of pupils on fixed-term exclusions. The school also uses funding for sport well.

A school statement released by headteacher Geoff Norman said: "We are obviously very disappointed with this report. 

"It does not provide an accurate picture of our school community or the work of its staff and governors. 

"We have raised our concerns with Ofsted and this process is ongoing."

It added: "In the meantime we are focused on ensuring Longtown Primary School provides the best possible care and education for our children.

"The staff and governors of Longtown Primary School have always welcomed constructive criticism that helps us to improve our school.

"Where valid points have been made the school has already taken steps to ensure that they are addressed and we are receiving the full support of the local authority."