Primary school placed in special measures

Mountfield and Whatlington School was judged by Ofsted inspectors to be ‘inadequate’ in the categories of overall effectiveness, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching and leadership and management, following an inspection back in April.

Staff and governors at the Church of England school say they are determined to improve standards.

The recently appointed acting headteacher, Lisa Khan, says she is already working closely with East Sussex County Council to prioritise urgent improvements in the quality of teaching and achievement in English and maths, and improve the quality of leadership and management, which has been acknowledged by the inspector.

Ms Khan said: “The Ofsted result is extremely disappointing but one which we as a school accept as a fair reflection of the school at the time of the inspection.

“The current team of staff are totally committed to working with Ofsted, East Sussex County Council and our school governors to ensure that the quality of teaching and standards in learning improve rapidly.

“In the two months since my appointment, we have already begun to address the priority areas raised by Ofsted.”

Irene Dibben, chair of the governing body, said: “The governing body is keen to do all we can to improve the results of our children.

“We have carefully considered the Ofsted feedback and have already made changes aimed at improving standards.

“A detailed action plan is being implemented which will achieve rapid progress.

“We have already met with parents and discussed with them what the school and Local Authority are doing to address the recommendations of the Ofsted inspection.”

The Ofsted inspector also highlighted some of the strengths of the school, and behaviour and safety of pupils judged to be ‘satisfactory’.

In a separate inspection of the school the following week, The Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools (SIAS) report judged Mountfield and Whatlington Church of England Primary School’s church provision as inadequate overall.

It recognised the positive Christian ethos of the school and highlighted that key areas needed to be addressed to secure improvement.

Mrs Dibben said “My fellow governors and I would like to thank parents and carers for their involvement and continued support for the school and how grateful we are to Lisa Khan and the Local Authority for stepping in at such short notice to lead on improvements.

“We will, of course, keep parents updated regularly on matters of school improvement.”

The full Ofsted report can be viewed online at www.ofsted.gov.uk