Shrewsbury primary school responds to Ofsted report

Inspectors visited Mereside CE Primary School in December 2012 and concluded the school required special measures because “leaders, governors and managers have failed to make all the essential improvements identified at the time of the last inspection”.

There were positive aspects of the school highlighted in the report, which said some teaching was good, attendance was above average and children enjoyed being at school. Inspectors found pupils to be polite and courteous, they felt safe at school, and were making good progress in Reception classes, because teaching was well thought out and engaged children’s imagination.

However, the report noted a number of areas that needed improvement, including the quality of teaching, particularly in mathematics and English; the effectiveness of leadership and management; and ensuring the governing body uses its knowledge and understanding of the school to drive forward improvements. Inspectors reported that: “Although there is some good teaching and relationships in classrooms are good, the majority of teaching does not challenge or inspire pupils and, as a result, pupils make inadequate progress.”

The Headteacher and Chair of Governors said: “We share the concerns of the report, which acknowledged that we have a realistic view of the strengths and weaknesses of the school. An improvement plan is in place already and the report also recognised that, as a result of changes to the governing body, we are now more effective.”

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for education and skills, added: “This is clearly a disappointing report, but the school is working hard with advisers from the council to ensure standards are quickly improved. It’s encouraging to note that pupils generally enjoy going to school, and inspectors acknowledged that steps are already being taken to raise standards.”