A Keighley primary school has been awarded a 'satisfactory' report by OFSTED inspectors.

School inspectors say pupils at Our Lady of Victories roman Catholic Primary School, in Guard House Road, are making satisfactory progress, roughly in line with the national curriculum. And they say that by the age of 11, the majority of pupils are meeting national expectations in English, mathematics and science, with work produced in history, art and music also in line with national expectations.

However, the report identified the need for improvements in the teaching of design and technology, information technology (IT), geography, music and physical education.

The report also states that many of the children enter the school with a below-average attainment, and end up leaving adequately equipped for the next stage of their education.

It is the first time the school has been inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).

In his report, Mr J C Midgley highlights a good standard of teaching in nursery and key stage two pupils aged seven to 11, but an unsatisfactory level of teaching for pupils at key stage one, aged four to seven.

Mr Midgely says: "Both boys and girls make highly satisfactory progress in the nursery as a result of sound teaching, detailed curriculum planning and regular assessment. In key stage one, pupils' progress is variable but predominantly unsatisfactory in the majority of National Curriculum subjects. Exceptions are in reading, mathematics, history and art, where progress is satisfactory.

"In Key stage two, both boys and girls make satisfactory and sometimes good progress in their lessons because teaching improves. Exceptions are in design and technology, IT, geography and PE, where progress overall is still less than expected."

He concludes by adding: "Having regard to pupils' attainment in the core subjects by the end of key stage two, pupils' behaviour, the quality of relationships, the provision for pupils' spiritual, moral and social development and the efficient use of staff, the school provides satisfactory value for money."

Head-teacher Kath Robinson says: "The school has undergone a lot of changes during the last 18 months, and the key issues identified in the report have already been highlighted in the Schools Development Plan. The school has begun to address these issues and has set appropriate targets for improvement, and although we have weaknesses, we are a school that is going forward.

"During my first 18 months at the school we have put a lot of monitoring in place, which now needs consolidating with positive action."

Governors at the voluntary-aided school say they are confident Mrs Robinson and her staff will turn any weaknesses into strengths.

They have 40 days to submit an action plan, outlining how the school will address key areas raised in the report.

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