Teaching blow for school

Newly-qualified teachers cannot be appointed at a troubled Walsall school where teaching standards remain poor seven months after first being criticised by Government inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors have ruled that only experienced staff can be appointed at St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary, in Coalpool, which was placed in special measures last June following a damning Ofsted report.

Just three months after the visit, headteacher Patrick O'Toole, who was heavily criticised in the report, left the school and leadership consultant Rita Iannarilla was appointed acting head.

Inspectors revisited the school in Dartmouth Avenue last December when they ruled standards remain inadequate, which is the lowest rating possible.

The original inspection report highlighted several issues including the school¹s poor leadership, and lessons failing to challenge pupils.

Inspector Usha Devi said: "Progress at the school since it was made subject to special measures is inadequate and newly-qualified teachers may not be appointed."

The inspector said some progress has been made since the appointment of Mrs Iannarilla but there was 'still a long way to go'.