CHARMOUTH Primary's headteacher has vowed to improve the school as standards slip two grades in the latest inspection.

Ofsted inspectors have told staff and governors that the school 'requires improvement', particularly with the achievement of pupils, the quality of teaching, and leadership.

But they praised the pupils' behaviour and described them as a 'positive asset' to the school.

The school was judged the top grading of 'outstanding' in the previous inspection in 2007, and has now dropped to the third grade.

Gillian Morris took over as headteacher last year and the inspectors recognised that she has already started to raise standards.

In his report, lead inspector David Hogg said: “The headteacher has quickly identified aspects of the school that require further development to raise achievement and enhance teaching.

“She has begun to make the necessary improvements, with the increasing involvement of the governing body.”

Mrs Morris said: “I would like to thank all staff, children, governors and volunteers for the positive approach and tremendous support we have received recently, as recognised by the Ofsted inspectors.

“Furthermore, the inspectors agreed with our own judgements of our school at this point in time and were confident in our ability to continue to improve in line with our overall school vision and plans.

“We all remain passionate about helping our children to continuously learn and develop their skills to maximise their potential in a safe and nurturing environment.”

Observing the pupils' achievement, Mr Hogg said they do not achieve well enough over time, specifically in English and maths.

“The progress that pupils make from their different starting points is inconsistent and not enough pupils achieve as highly as they possibly could,” said Mr Hogg.

But the inspectors noted that pupils in reception class make good progress, 'due to effective teaching'.

Mr Hogg said the quality of teaching requires improvement because progress is inconsistent between year groups, and teachers do not always use the information they have on pupils to ensure learning activities are not too easy or too hard.

The inspector said: “Marking does not always provide clear guidance for pupils on how to improve their work and pupils are not given enough opportunities to make the necessary changes.”

But Mr Hogg recognised that teachers look to use a wide range of activities to develop pupils' understanding, and their learning experience is enriched with visits to places of significance and good use of the local environment.

Assessing the behaviour and safety of pupils, Mr Hogg said they feel well looked after and cared for in school, and they have good attitudes to learning.

“Pupils at Charmouth are polite and welcoming and are a positive asset to the school,” he said.

The inspector added that there are a good number of extracurricular clubs, plenty of opportunities to take on roles and responsibilities, and a strong effort by the headteacher to improve attendance.

Mr Hogg said although Mrs Morris has put development plans in place, leadership and management still require improvement.

He said: “The swift way the headteacher has acted in identifying areas of concern in all aspects of the work of the school and the detailed development plans have put the school in a much better position to move forward and provide improved learning opportunities for all pupils.”

Key Facts

Headteacher - Gillian Morris

Chairman of Governors - Melanie Harvey

Number of pupils - 175

School category - Community

Last inspection date - September 2007

Last inspection grade - Outstanding