Radford Primary School was inspected during the week beginning 22 February by a team from OFSTED. The report, recently received by the school, recognised many strengths in the school, but the inspectors have placed the school in the category of Serious Weaknesses.

The inspectors said the school "provides a supportive and caring learning environment which promotes good attitudes and relationships." The main findings of the report also commented upon the "good provision for moral and social developments of pupils" and "the work to develop partnership with parents and the community." They also commended the "impressive spirit of racial harmony" where "pupils from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds are fully integrated into the life of the school."

Teaching in 97% of lessons was "satisfactory" or better with 25% of teaching judged to be "good".

The inspectors identified a number of areas for development. Attainment in the core subjects of English, maths, science and IT was below the expected national levels and also poor in relation to similar schools, particularly in Key Stage 2. The RE curriculum was also in need of attention, as it did not meet statutory requirements. Aspects of planning and assessment need improvements, whilst teachers’ expectations of what children can achieve need to rise. The governing body of the school is required to take a more active role in the monitoring of standards of attainment in the future.

Headteacher of Radford Primary School Mrs Carol Laye said,

"I am pleased with the recognition given by the OFSTED team to the many areas in which the school has improved since the last inspection in 1995, and for their judgement which recognises that the school has the capacity to improve, we are concerned about the areas of serious weakness identified in the report and have already begun to draw up a comprehensive action plan in order to address those issues. We recognise that the current levels of attainment, particularly at Key Stage 2 are unsatisfactory, but are confident that with hard work, and with the support of the governors and parents, we can raise standards."

The Chair of governors, Mrs Tejinder Kundi said

"The governing body will give every support to Mrs Laye and her staff in order to fulfil the task before them. The inspectors recognised the clear vision and positive leadership, which the new Headteacher has brought to the school and the determination of all the staff to tackle problems. There a number of very positive elements in the report with regard to good behaviour, relationships and ethos which will form a strong base for the further development of Radford Primary in the future."

Councillor Joe Clifford, Chair of Educational Excellence Policy Team says that the Support and Advisory Service will help the school with its plans for improvements.

"We give all the support we can to schools who find themselves in difficulty and have an excellent record of helping and guiding schools through the improvements that are needed."