Teaching standards at a Coventry special school are at least satisfactory in 90 percent of its lessons according to a recent OFSTED report.

The Meadow School, Hawthorn Lane, caters for 38 secondary aged pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties. OFSTED inspectors who visited in November 1998 concluded that pupils with severe behavioural difficulties can expect to make satisfactory overall progress thanks to a generally good standard of teaching delivered in an orderly community. Teaching in nine out of ten lessons is described as being at least satisfactory, and good, very good or excellent in nearly two thirds of lessons.

But headteacher Keith Robinson acknowledged that there is work to be done in response to weaknesses identified within the report.

Mr Robinson said:

"I welcome the recognition within the OFSTED report of areas in which the school enjoys success. I also welcome its overview of those areas where we need to work harder to ensure that success is enjoyed across the whole of the school’s activities. Together with governors and staff I shall be working to accelerate implementation of an action plan which I am confident will take the school forward. OFSTED inspectors acknowledge the high level of satisfaction among parents to pupils attending the school, and I hope we can continue to be encouraged by such confidence and support as we work towards improvement."

The action plan will seek to improve standards in all areas criticised within the report, including some aspects of curriculum provision, the management of behaviour in some lessons and in some of the school’s monitoring procedures.

Positive aspects of the report include recognition of the good standard of the school’s facilities for physical education, for design and technology, and that developments in information technology offer pupils good opportunities for learning.

Cllr George Duggins, co-ordinator of educational and cultural affairs policy co-ordinating committee, said:

"The OFSTED inspection has reinforced many of the very positive aspects of life at The Meadows.

"The issues identified will be dealt with rigorously as part of the very effective system the local education authority has for monitoring progress and supporting schools when there are problems."