Ofsted tells Hednesford primary school it needs to improve

A primary school in Hednesford has been told it needs to improve by Ofsted following an inspection. Pupils at Hazel Slade Community Primary are not making enough progress in some of their lessons, says a report.

moreTeachers at the school in Cannock Wood Street give pupils work that is either too difficult or too easy, the report states.

Lead inspector Sheelagh Barnes wrote: "Pupils do not make consistently good progress, particularly in mathematics. Pupils' progress in writing is not as good as in reading.

"Teachers sometimes give pupils work which is too hard or too easy.

"Pupils do not always know what they have done well or how to improve, particularly in writing in subjects other than English."

Ofsted rates schools as being outstanding, good, requiring improvement or inadequate. Hazel Slade was rated as requiring improvement.

The report goes on to add: "There are not enough opportunities for pupils to choose how to research and investigate topics for themselves.

"Subject leaders have not fully developed skills to check on pupils' learning and progress in their subjects and arrange support where necessary.

"The governing body has not ensured that pupils make good progress in all subjects and that teaching is less variable."

However, it does go on to praise the behaviour of pupils at the school, saying it is "typically good" in the classroom. "Pupils are keen to learn and concentrate well in lessons, with very few exceptions," it states.

"Pupils see the small size of the school as a bonus. Attendance has improved significantly and is now in line with the average national attendance."

Because the school was told it requires improvement, it will be inspected again by Ofsted within the next two years.

There are currently 104 pupils on roll at the school.

Headteacher Louise Brealey was unavailable for comment today.