Pupils underachieving for last two years at '˜inadequate' school

Dean Field Community Primary School in Ovenden was visited by inspectors from the education watchdog in January

Jim McGrath, lead inspector said: “Over the past two years, pupils have underachieved across key stages one and two because of poor teaching.

“Teaching is inadequate over time and the quality is currently uneven. Expectations are not high enough, planned work does not motivate pupils well and work set does not match pupils’ needs and abilities.”

The inspectors did recognise that improvements are already being made in leadership, teaching and behaviour.

Head teacher Leigh Brown, said they are working hard to ensure the best possible learning experience for students to achieve their full potential.

“We recognise that there have been issues with leadership, teaching and pupil achievement over time at the school.

“However, there is a clear commitment from the entire school community to ensuring this is a successful school for young people, reflecting our motto, ‘I believe I can’.

“All of our staff have positive relationships with our pupils and families and are committed to continuing to help young people achieve their very best.

“We are already making improvements and Ofsted acknowledged that our plans “focus well on strengthening teaching and pupils’ outcomes” and that we have developed “an impressive plan” to raise the achievement of disadvantaged pupils.”

The school has said since the inspection, work has continued to improve the quality of teaching including brokering the support of local schools and outside agencies such as consultants for the moderation of writing and support from the local White Rose Maths Hub for the development of teaching and learning in mathematics.

Councillor Megan Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member of Children and Young People’s Services, said: “We are confident that everyone at Dean Field Community Primary School, driven by strong new leadership, is making the required improvements and will continue to build on the good progress already made. The Council will continue to support the school to ensure the best possible outcomes for young people.”