A UK school has been put into special measures after a recent Ofsted report determined the students “do not receive the acceptable level of education”. The primary school, which has just 52 pupils, was inspected on Tuesday, March 24.
Erpingham Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School, in Norfolk, was rated at the “expected standard” for just attendance and behaviour. However, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, and personal development and wellbeing were ranked as “needs attention” by Ofsted. Meanwhile, the school was given “urgent improvement” ratings for achievement and leadership and guidance.
As reported by the Eastern Daily Press, Ofsted determined that the school requires special measures. It concluded: “His Majesty’s Chief Inspector is of the opinion that this school requires special measures because it is failing to provide 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 in the school.”
The report, which was completed by leader inspector Benjamin Axon and team inspector Jo Nutbeam, adds: “Pupils attending this school do not receive the acceptable level of education that they are entitled to. Governors and school leaders have not rapidly addressed weaknesses in the curriculum and teaching identified at the previous inspection.”
Inspectors also concluded that pupils at the school “have too many gaps in their knowledge”. The report added that this means most pupils “are not prepared for the next stage of their learning journey”.
However, it was concluded that pupils “typically enjoy school”, “show positive attitudes” and “usually behave well in lessons and around the school”. The report also noted that students have the chance to take part in wider curriculum opportunities, including outdoor learning.
Emma Bourner, executive headteacher of the school, said: “When I joined the school in September, it was immediately evident that we have exceptionally capable pupils and highly engaged parents. However, it was also clear that there was important work to be done to raise levels of achievement.
“We shared our concerns with the council and have been working closely in partnership with the Diocese to drive improvements. Inspectors have acknowledged the progress made within a relatively short period and the positive impact this is beginning to have.”
She added that flexi-schooling, where a child attends the school part-time while also being educated at home, will end from next year. This was noted as a concern in the Ofsted inspection.