Aberhafesp Primary School put into special measures

Government inspectors have placed a Mid Wales primary school in special measures amid fears about the standard of education it was providing.

Estyn inspectors found shortcomings at Aberhafesp Primary School, an English medium school near Newtown, when they visited in November.

Senior officers from Powys County Council today said they would now be working in close partnership with the school to secure improvement.

It comes days after it was listed as one of the closure-threatened schools in the county by the council.

The council claims schools with fewer than 30 pupils are no longer viable and should be closed.

Humphrey Davies, chairman of governors for Aberhafesp Primary School, said: "This report is very disappointing and concerning. The school governors and staff of the school are fully committed to working with the council in order to secure the required improvements with an immediate focus on improving learning and teaching."

Action plans will now be produced by both the school and the council, detailing steps to be taken to address the identified shortcomings.

Councillor David Jones, board member for schools, said: "We'll be working closely with the school and the governing body to secure improvements at the school and to ensure Aberhafesp School is removed from the category of special measures as soon as possible."

Part of the Estyn report said: "The school gives unsatisfactory value for money in terms of pupils' outcomes, provision and strategic planning."

It added: "The school lacks a clear direction and a sense of purpose that is necessary to promote and sustain improvements."