Fearns gets bad marks again from Ofsted
AVALLEY school had received its second inadequate rating from Ofsted.
Fearns Community Sports College was rated as inadequate in all five inspections areas which include effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching and learning and assessment and outcomes for pupils after its latest inspection.
Lead inspector Elizabeth Haddock said in the report that parents has little confidence in the school. She said: “Some pupils’ attitudes to learning are not positive enough due to teaching that is not engaging. Some teachers’ expectations of pupils’ work and behaviour are too low.” Ms Haddock added that teaching in mathematics at the Fearns Moss school was ‘particularly weak’. She added: “Outcomes in many subjects including English and mathematics are low. Recent improvements are not secure enough to halt further decline.
“Too many pupils do not have the necessary skills in literacy or numeracy to make gains in their learning.”
The team of three inspectors highlighted a number of strengths the school had in the report.
Ms Haddock said: “There is an excellent careers, education and guidance programme which has contributed to almost all pupils moving to appropriate post-16 courses or training. Teaching in religious education, music and physical education is good.”
The education inspection body rated the school as inadequate in June 2014 and subsequently placed it into special measures.
An inspection in July last year boosted hopes the school was on the road to recovery, but staff were left disappointed with GCSE results and the headteacher wrote to parents stating that ‘bad pupil behaviour’ was impacting on recruitment.
Helen Stead, head- teacher of Fearns Community Sports College, Bacup said: “Whilst we are disappointed with the outcome, we are already putting actions in place to address the issues identified. Some improvements have already been made and we’ll make sure that the emphasis on making rapid progress continues.
We are determined to build on our many strengths, to make swift improvements in some areas and ensure that our children receive the quality of education they deserve.”