TEACHING and governance at Coaley Primary School have come in for heavy criticism in an Ofsted report which rates it ‘inadequate’.

Inspected in March, four of the five assessed areas were given the lowest rating, contributing to the overall appraisal – a fall from the ‘good’ rating received in 2013.

The report, which was published on Friday, highlights “systemic weaknesses” which impede the progress of pupils.

Despite the school’s new headteacher Suzette Kearns overseeing “some recent improvements”, the inspector raises the concern that pupils were not developing sufficient skills and knowledge.

Stewart Gale, Ofsted lead inspector, wrote: “Leaders, including governors, have not been swift enough to tackle weaknesses within teaching and learning.

“As a result, the school has decline since the previous inspection and governors still fail to show the understanding or urgency necessary to improve.

“The capacity for improvement is weak because too much is dependent on the new headteacher.

“Plans to improve the quality of teaching and learning are not being secured quickly enough and there are systemic weaknesses that impede these improvements.”

Governors were also criticised for over-generous evaluations and a “lack of involvement” which has resulted in a decline in the school’s performance whilst teachers were attacked for not having “sufficiently high” expectations of pupils.

However, there was praise for the headteacher with the inspector saying that she “had made a positive impact on the school, particularly on pupils’ behaviour and improving communication with parents” and for its “strong” reading culture.

Responding to the report, she said: “We are obviously disappointed in the report's findings, however we will be working hard to move the school forward.

“Everyone involved in the school is absolutely committed to providing the best possible education for our pupils.

“With the support of governors, staff, the county council and our parents, we will make the changes identified in Ofsted's report as soon as possible.”

Terry Chivers, acting chairman of Coaley Primary School's governing body, said: "We are working hard to address the issues highlighted by the report.

"With the efforts of staff and the continued support of our parents, we are sure that we will be able to follow Ofsted's recommendations and rapidly improve the standards of this school."