Portesham School rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted

Portesham Church of England Primary School, which was previously rated outstanding, was visited by Ofsted inspectors who found the school had 'significant weaknesses'. Inspectors declared that the personal development, behaviour and attitudes of pupils require improvement, while the quality of education, early years provisions, and leadership and management are inadequate.

This was the first time Ofsted had visited the school since 2012, when it received an outstanding rating.

The school has now been placed in special measures, meaning it will be closely monitored by Dorset Council and helped to improve standards.

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In the Ofsted report, inspectors said: "The quality of education received by pupils has declined significantly since the previous inspection. There has also been substantial turbulence in staffing and governance since that time.

"Leaders, including governors, demonstrate limited capacity to improve the school. They do not recognise the extent of the school’s weaknesses. Their view of the school is too positive. The school’s improvement plan is not well thought through.

"The quality of education has significant weaknesses. The curriculum is not ambitious enough and not well planned. Limited consideration is given to planning content choice and the order in which new learning is taught."

Ofsted inspectors did note that the safeguarding of pupils is 'effective' and that most students feel safe in school.

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The report said: "The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders have completed training in safer recruitment and know the importance of carrying out and completing all the required checks. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Most pupils feel safe in school and understand the need to keep themselves safe."

In a letter sent to parents, the chairman of governors Clive Burgess vowed the school would improve and offered assurances that work is already being done to ensure progress is being made.

He said: "The unannounced Ofsted inspection, and the subsequent judgement of the school, have galvanised everyone associated with Portesham to pull together and drive forward an ambitious journey of rapid and sustained improvement.

"Schools like ours that are geographically isolated lack support and are not part of a multi-academy trust and are very vulnerable.

"The governing board has been working to join a family of schools for the last year. We recognised our vulnerability and our lack of capacity on many fronts. The future for Portesham School is within a multi-academy trust where it will undoubtedly thrive."

Vik Verma Picture: Dorset Council

Vik Verma, Dorset Council corporate director for education and learning, said: "Following a recent inspection by Ofsted of Portesham Primary School, the school has been put into special measures.

"Being put into special measures means that a school will be closely monitored and helped to carry out a number of actions to improve standards.

"Dorset Council will provide support and help to oversee the school’s improvement plan to ensure that the necessary actions are undertaken.

"We would like to reassure all parents and carers that the pupils, their education and their well-being are our top priority, and we will be working together closely to support the school to improve."

To view the full Ofsted report, visit the Ofsted website.