AN Otley school has been given a poor report by Ofsted inspectors.

Thomas Chippendale School was found to have 'serious weaknesses' by inspectors who found the school's quality of teaching 'unsatisfactory overall'.

The school's standards in English were found to be well below average compared to similar schools last year. Inspectors reported: "The standards pupils achieve in literacy and numeracy by the age of seven are unsatisfactory."

However, inspectors said this disappointing standard was partly due to a higher than average number of pupils on the school's special educational needs register. The report, published this week, praises the school's spiritual, moral and social development, and highlighted good teaching in the Reception class and in Year Six, but found Years One and Two to be unsatisfactory.

The inspectors also praised the school's art, design, technology and drama and reported that pupils were keen to come to school, with above average attendance.

The inspectors described part of the school's catchment area as 'socially disadvantaged' and also reported that the number of pupils on the school roll is falling.

They also criticised the school's management and found the school didn't provide value for money.

Head teacher Susan Cook said: "It's true, the report has come as a blow to the school. The issues detailed in the report are ones we are well aware of and are already addressing. I am confident that we will now make steady and sustained progress in bringing areas of weakness up to standard."

Overall the report concludes that Thomas Chippendale is not as effective as it should be, and recommends an action plan to turn the school around.

Senior assistant director of education, Eric Reed said: "Obviously the children themselves like the school and this is borne out by higher than average attendance levels. The school is well liked, and has good links with the community it serves.

"All of this is a sound base for the governors' action plan to bring about speedy improvements to the important areas of weakness noted in the inspectors' report. Working together, the staff, governors, parents, the LEA and the local community will act quickly to produce a school where 'serious weaknesses' are a thing of the past."

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