Accrington school put into ‘special measures’

6:00pm Friday 14th September 2012 in Hyndburn

MEASURES St John with St Augustine School MEASURES St John with St Augustine School

A SCHOOL has been put into ‘special measures’ after inspectors found poor achievement in English and Maths following high staff absences.

Accrington’s St John with St Augustine CE Primary was found to be ‘inadequate’ in all areas except children’s behaviour and safety.

An Ofsted report said not enough children were leaving with adequate standards in English and Maths. Only about two-thirds of Year Six pupils were said to be on track to achieve the expected level in reading and writing in their statutory English tests.

The school was given the lowest ratings for overall effectiveness, pupil achievement, teaching and leadership.

Ofsted inspector Andrée Keddle’s report said the school was failing to give pupils ‘an acceptable standard of education’ following a ‘significant amount of teacher absence’ Mr Keddle said: “The persons responsible for leading the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement.

As the result of weak teaching over time, pupils make inadequate progress. Staff absence and several different teachers covering classes have further contributed.

“The local authority has very recently worked closely with the school and although this is making a difference in some lessons, it has yet to show sustained impact. Occasionally teaching is good, the pace of learning is brisk and most pupils understand clearly what they have to do to be successful.”

The only category to receive an ‘adequate’ rating was behaviour and safety.

Headteacher Geoffrey Garlick, said: “We’re disappointed, but we must accept the inspectors’ judgement. With the support of the county council we have already produced an action plan and I am confident those measures will have a real impact.

“We are working hard to provide our children with the high quality education they deserve.”

Schools which have been found to be failing are at risk of being turned into academies under new Government policy.

Comments(8)

accy lad and proud says...
9:25pm Fri 14 Sep 12

What on earth is the world comming to ! This school used to be one of the best in Accy !!!!! Where has it all gone wrong !!!!!

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Cares about education says...
12:31am Sat 15 Sep 12

I have lived in Hyndburn for 40+ years and have worked in Education for all of my adult life, and have a long standing affection for this school and all it stands for in the local community. I was shocked to read the recent Ofsted report, which to me does not bear a true reflection of the school, the commitment and loyalty of those who are privileged to work there, and the professional and caring environment which exists through its staff, parents and children. Yes, I know there are issues to address, (don't all educational institutions), and yes, I know, that there is work to be done to bring it back to its former success and standards. Whatever you read, whatever you think, please do not lose faith in the wonderful staff that remain in this lovely, safe, professional and amazing school - they are more than capable and ready to bring the school back to the standards that staff and parents alike expect, and which Ofsted require - and to surpass them! Watch this space... it WILL happen!!!!!

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enki jr says...
3:58pm Sat 15 Sep 12

"Schools which have been found to be failing are at risk of being turned into academies under new Government policy"

Ofsted are paid for criminals whos common purpose is to PRIVATISE...

Teaching the children what privatisation and indoctrination means will
save them from slavery to ukgov plc and all who drink from the whores cup of insanity.

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sharonAccy says...
4:36pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Seems a good number of good schools in the area have been given lower than expected ofsted reports......seems all the government wants to do is down grade them so they can get shut !!!!!!

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Gaius Grossus says...
2:18pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Oh for heavans sake, will we ever get away from this attitude that you have not been properly educated if you have not been to St Johns with St Augustines school first and then St Christophers.My children received an excellent education via Huncoat CP then Moorehead. Indeed both my daughters have excellent degrees

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interested.com says...
7:40am Wed 19 Sep 12

The report is very clear. Leadership, leadership, leadership. There isn't any and this is the 2nd time the school has been in this position under its current leadership. Reading the report is depressing when my children are in this school. Teachers not kept up to date, children who fall behind not being addressed and parents who are not welcome in the school. Until the leadership is addressed nothing will happen. And now the very person responsible is off ill. The teachers face us every night on the yard even though they must feel awful about the findings of the report. They discuss the findings with us on the yard and encourage us to attend the meeting later this week. Where is the head. He hid in his office when the report came out and wouldn't show his team support. I guess Ofsted hit the nail on the head. There is no effective leadership in the school. Someone have a back bone and do something about it.

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interested.com says...
7:40am Wed 19 Sep 12

The report is very clear. Leadership, leadership, leadership. There isn't any and this is the 2nd time the school has been in this position under its current leadership. Reading the report is depressing when my children are in this school. Teachers not kept up to date, children who fall behind not being addressed and parents who are not welcome in the school. Until the leadership is addressed nothing will happen. And now the very person responsible is off ill. The teachers face us every night on the yard even though they must feel awful about the findings of the report. They discuss the findings with us on the yard and encourage us to attend the meeting later this week. Where is the head. He hid in his office when the report came out and wouldn't show his team support. I guess Ofsted hit the nail on the head. There is no effective leadership in the school. Someone have a back bone and do something about it.

Report this post »

Cares about education says...
8:13pm Sat 22 Sep 12

Gaius Grossus wrote:
Oh for heavans sake, will we ever get away from this attitude that you have not been properly educated if you have not been to St Johns with St Augustines school first and then St Christophers.My children received an excellent education via Huncoat CP then Moorehead. Indeed both my daughters have excellent degrees
Oh for heavens sake!!! I know that Huncaot CP is a very good school I knew the previous Headteacher personally, and he did wonders, and that pupils can and do flourish and do well at Moorhead - you have missed the point - St Johns with St Augustines is a school that has been associated with good practice and good results - things can and do go awry at the best schools, I know, I have been at the sharp end, and with time and good educational practitioners in place, they will work very hard in everyones interest and turn the school around in areas needed. Dont bleat about your experience with one school, when you have no personal experience of what happrens in other schools and why.

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