A South Croydon primary school has been put in special measures after inspectors branded it inadequate.

Regina Coeli Roman Catholic Primary School in Pampisford Road scored the lowest possible rating in three out of four areas in a report by the schools inspector Ofsted.

Inspectors said pupils' achievement, the quality of teaching, and leadership and management were all inadequate. 

They said the behaviour and safety of pupils required improvement. 

The school, last inspected in October 2012, has 410 pupils on its books.

Ofsted said those from poorer backgrounds, disabled children, pupils with special education needs and more capable children were doing worse than they should be.

The watchdog's report said: "Too many pupils make inadequate progress, particularly more-able pupils, those eligible for free school meals, disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs.

"Teaching is inadequate. Too much teaching continues to require significant improvement. Teachers do not expect enough of pupils or provide work that is matched well enough to their needs and prior attainment.

It added: "Pupils' behaviour is improving, but some pupils are not always ready and willing to learn, and this aspect of behaviour requires improvement.

"Leadership and management are inadequate because, despite some recent improvements, leaders, managers and members of the governing body have not been effective in improving teaching and in ensuring that pupils make more rapid progress."

Parents and carers questioned by Ofsted expressed "little confidence" in the school's leadership.

The report highlighted the teaching of reaching and pupils' "spiritual, moral, social and cultural development" for praise.

It was last visited by Ofsted in October 2012, when inspectors said the school required improvement overall. 

In May this year, Croydon Council served the school with a warning to improve following concerns about pupils' achievement.

It will now receive regular monitoring inspections from Ofsted after being placed in special measures.

Donal McCarthy, the school's headteacher, was not available for comment. 

But statement attributed to "a spokesperson from the school leadership team" read: "Although disappointed with the outcome of this inspection we are determined, working in partnership, to act upon the findings as quickly as possible.

"We are aware of the difficulties facing the school as a result of the issues identified. We have an action plan in place and have already implemented a number of improvements which we are confident will have a positive impact on future outcomes for all pupils."

St James the Great Roman Catholic Primary School, an academy in Thornton Heath, is to support Regina Coeli in its bid to improve.

Hogarth Andall, chair of the school's governors, said: "While Ofsted's judgment of the school is disappointing, it  highlighted the areas that we already knew needed attention.

"The school has not improved quickly enough since its last full inspection a year ago.

"The governing body is fully committed to working with the Diocese and the local authority to catalyse improvements in teaching and leadership at the school."

 

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