Patna is warned it must do better

Teaching is not up at scratch at Patna Primary.

The school, right, has been given a less than glowing report by HM Inspectors.

And parents have savaged the schooling given to their kids.

Twenty five per cent of those surveyed “strongly disagreed” that the school was well led and managed.

The HM Inspectors visited the school last year and identified a number of areas of improvement. However, according to some parents, those improvements have not taken place fast enough, with one parent describing the latest report as a “disappointing read.”

There is a roll of 137 and the school shares its newly-built campus with St Xavier’s.

One parent said: “Following the last inspection, it was made clear that the authority would be brought in to support it. My question really is why is the school’s not had any real support from the authority? The school has been identified as having poor leadership but yet the management team continue to blunder on.”

Other concerns have included the “high staff turnover,” the loss of many “valued teachers” and too many “inexperienced staff.”

Another parent said: “Several of us have complained to the authority regarding the poor management of the school but this continually seems to be swept under the carpet. The school needs an overhaul of management.”

In a letters to parents and guardians, Sadie Cushley, HM Inspector, said staff made “good progress” on improving the quality of learning and teaching across the school and the supported learning centre (SLC). The letter also states that “satisfactory progress” is being made in providing progression in learning within the curriculum offered to children. However, children’s attainment, particularly at the first and second levels, “is not high enough.”

The Inspectors also said “insufficient progress” was being made to develop robust and rigorous self-evaluation approaches to inform “appropriate improvement priorities” and increase the pace of change.

Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Head of Education, said: “While areas for further improvement have been identified, it is important to highlight that both the initial report and the more recent report identified many strengths in the work of the school including the recent statement from HM Inspectors that good progress has been made on improving learning and teaching across the school and supported learning centre (SLC). A wide range of support has been provided to the school and to the Headteacher. This work will continue in the new school session to address the areas that require further improvement, which were identified by HM Inspectors. We’ll continue to support the school to achieve

The school has poor leadership but yet the management team continue to blunder on Patna parent

the best possible outcomes for every child.”

John Bell, councillor for Doon Valley, said: “I have read the Report and note the issues highlighted by HM Inspectors, and I am supportive of the work being done by the school and the Council to address the areas for improvement. It is clear from both the initial and the most recent reports that this school has many strengths, and that all involved have the same goals- to ensure our young people succeed and that they reach their full potential.”