Headteacher at Inskip St Peter’s C of E Primary School quits post just days before damning Ofsted visit

The head teacher of a rural Fylde primary school judged as ‘needing attention’ in all areas following an inspection by Ofsted has resigned and left the school.

His Majesty's Inspector Andy Beattie, said Inskip St Peter's Church of England Voluntary Aided School met safeguarding standards but needed attention around achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and in personal development and wellbeing.

Headteacher Kate Leyland, who led the school for more than 10 years, has resigned and left her role in mid October.

She has been replaced in the interim by Associate Headteacher Jonathan Ratcliffe, who started in his new role on September 10, five days before the damning inspection visit from Ofsted on September 15 and 16.

Responding to the inspection findings, a spokesman for Inskip St Peter’s C of E Primary School said: “We recognise the improvements identified by Ofsted and are committed to addressing them.

“The report highlights areas where we need to do better, including improving the consistency of teaching, strengthening pupils’ core knowledge and ensuring children who need additional help receive the right support.

“It also recognises important strengths. Safeguarding standards are met, attendance is above national figures, phonics is taught well and pastoral support is a strength. The inspectors also recognised that behaviour has improved and pupils are generally calm and settled in school.”

Describing what it was like to be a pupil at the Preston Road school, Mr Beattie said: “Pupils generally attain well in national tests. Many leave with results that suggest they are ready for the next stage of their education. However, pupils' experiences in lessons do not consistently match this picture.

“Many pupils struggle to remember important knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics. Others cannot explain their learning in depth.

“Pupils with additional needs do not always get the right help to take part in lessons confidently. This means pupils do not build the secure foundations needed as they move through the school.

“The school has recently appointed a new associate headteacher. This leader is now directing attention to the issues that have negatively affected pupils' experiences.”

Ofsted’s findings were published on October 22 after an inspection visit on September 15 and 16.

To tackle some of the challenges facing the school inspectors said leaders, including those responsible for governance, should develop a more precise monitoring routine so they gain reliable assurance about the school's work and can challenge leaders more effectively.

Ofsted also asked leaders to ensure high-quality explanations, questioning and task design from all staff to ensure pupils benefit from effective learning experiences across the curriculum. Leaders should also implement an evidence-informed professional learning programme for staff so that they have the skills and knowledge they need to adapt the curriculum effectively for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Inspectors also suggested leaders should develop staff expertise in high-quality interactions so children hear new vocabulary, practise key skills and experience purposeful learning across all areas.

Leaders should embed the new behaviour routines further so that expectations are applied consistently and pupils' conduct improves. Leaders should ensure that teaching supports pupils to secure the knowledge they have outlined across the curriculum.

Leaders should ensure that teaching enables pupils to recall content from the personal, social and health education curriculum accurately, including protected characteristics and fundamental British values, so that they are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

A spokesman for Inskip St Peter’s C of E Primary School said:“Our new leadership has a clear understanding of the school’s priorities and has already begun taking action, with additional support and training in place.

“We will continue to work closely with Lancashire County Council, the Diocese and other partners to drive the improvements needed.

"We are now in the process of recruiting a new headteacher.

“We are grateful to our parents and carers for their continued support and remain committed to providing a safe, happy, supportive environment and the high-quality education every child deserves.”