A PRIMARY school has been rated 'Requires Improvement' in its latest Ofsted inspection

Charmouth Primary School on Lower Sea Lane has not improved from its "Requires Improvement' rating since its last full inspection in 2018.

The school has said that it is confident it can improve and it is taking the recommendations seriously.

Ofsted gives schools an overall rating of either outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

In describing what it is like to attend the school, the report said: "Pupils do not benefit from a coherent curriculum. As a result, they often find it difficult to acquire the necessary knowledge to be well prepared for the next stage in their education, including in the early years foundation stage (EYFS).

"Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are not consistently learning as well as they should.

"Teachers do not always have high enough expectations of pupils in lessons. Consequently, some pupils have developed poor attitudes to learning.

"Since the previous inspection, senior leaders have struggled to gain the momentum needed towards becoming a good school. Their intentions have been interrupted by the pandemic, but other factors have also played a critical role. For example, for too long, senior leaders and governors lacked the necessary challenge and rigour in holding teachers to account."

In terms of what the school does well, the report said: "Pupils enjoy harmonious relationships with each other and adults. This helps to create a positive feel at school. Pupils feel safe. They say that bullying is rare.

"Pupils are kind, tolerant and respectful. They enjoy learning about different cultures and how to make the world a better place."

A spokesman for Charmouth Primary School said: "The school recognises the need to improve.

"The school is continuing to ensure that the areas raised are being addressed, including through partnership work with the Local Authority and TSI (Trust and School Improvement) offer.

"We have confidence that the school can improve, particularly as a result of the feedback from the HMI (Her Majesty’s Inspector) that the right actions are now being taken. Parents are being invited to a meeting in September where the actions the school are taking will be discussed."