A SCHOOL has been rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted.

Concerns were raised by inspectors about the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and the outcome for children at St Silas's CofE Primary School, Blackburn.

However, the St Silas Road school was praised for its early years provision which inspectors noted was 'good', with leaders’ considerable investment in staffing and resources ensuring that the children get the 'best possible start at St Silas’s.'

The latest report reveals concerns about large gaps in pupils' understanding and skills, particularly in Maths and writing.

It also raises concerns that pupils' progress slows when they move from the early years into year one.

In its previous inspection, the school was rated 'good'.

The report reads: "The school has not previously met, nor currently meets, fully the learning needs of pupils. "This means that there are significant gaps in pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding.

"There are large gaps in pupils’ understanding and skills, particularly in mathematics and writing.

"Some subjects are not taught in sufficient depth.

"This accounts for pupils’ slow progress in writing and mathematics and in subjects such

as geography, history and science.

"Pupils’ progress slows when they move from the early years into Year 1."

But inspectors noted that since their appointment in 2016, leaders have remedied the failings of the previous curriculum and teaching structure.

They said the school now now provides a 'broad and balanced' curriculum.

Inspectors also said there are clear signs of improvement in reading and that teachers have worked hard to make sure pupils’ reading skills have improved.

Michele Battersby, headteacher of St Silas primary School, welcomed the report which 'recognises progress that the school has made.'

She said:“We were particularly pleased that the Ofsted findings were in line with the school’s own evaluation, providing reassurance to our parents that the school is making good progress on its journey towards good.

“The Ofsted report recognised that school leaders have tackled issues with the previous curriculum, teaching structure and previous under performance and highlighted the positive progress. The school has worked with a highly recommended consultant for assessment to revamp our assessment system whilst benefitting from strong support from our local authority, a Local Leader of Education (LLE) and from other schools within our School Improvement Group.

“Our main focus is to ensure that our children receive an excellent education, continue to thrive and benefit from positive school experiences, giving them the very best start in life.”