School told to improve after Ofsted inspection

A second Shropshire primary school has been told by Ofsted to improve its performance. Inspectors judged aspects of Longlands Primary at Market Drayton to be inadequate.

They identified the need to raise pupils' achievements at the end of years two and six.

However, they acknowledged action is being taken to raise standards and the school is "capable of making further improvements".

Baschurch CE Primary was also recently given notice to improve after going through Ofsted's new and more rigorous inspection.

Aspects of the school were judged to be inadequate, due to leadership and communication with parents.

However, neither school is classed as failing.

The Longlands report highlights a range of positive areas and says that because staff work hard to provide an "attractive and welcoming learning environment" pupils enjoy going to school.

The curriculum is said to give appropriate attention to the teaching of literacy and numeracy, while providing pupils with a range of "enriching experiences".

Other areas described as good include pupils' behaviour, their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, and the effectiveness of care, guidance and support. The Early Years Foundation Stage, in particular, is praised by the inspectors.

They say that despite most children entering Reception with knowledge and skills that are generally below those expected for their age, the youngsters make good progress.

Shropshire Council is working with both schools on the improvements. Headteachers at Longlands, Kim Stokes and Marie Manton, said the areas highlighted by Ofsted were already identified in the School Development Plan.