A PENDLE school has been heavily criticised by Ofsted and given the lowest-possible rating.

The quality of teaching and the early years provision at Barrowford Primary School were highlighted as problematic as the school was graded as ‘inadequate’.

The Rushton Street school was rated ‘good’ in 2012 when it was last inspected.

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Ofsted visited the school in July and the management team has spent the summer holiday acting on the report before it was published this week.

In a letter to parents, Head Teacher Rachel Tomlinson said that while she was very disappointed with the outcome of the inspection, she was very positive and excited about the future.

Mrs Tomlinson’s school hit the headlines in the summer after being criticised for advocating an alternative disciplinary policy which includes sanction-free rules.

Lead Inspector Gill Jones said: “Teaching is inadequate. Staff expectations of what pupils can achieve are not high enough.

“The teaching of reading is ineffective. In some classes, the weaker readers read aloud too infrequently to an adult.

“Children in reception are not prepared for the curriculum in Year One.

“Governors do not follow up the issues they identify for improvement in enough depth.

“Behaviour requires improvement. In lessons, pupils do not always concentrate on what they are doing and are too easily distracted.

“More able pupils do not reach the higher levels in the national tests and assessments for seven and 11-year-olds.”

In her letter to parents, Mrs Tomlinson said: “We were, of course, very disappointed with the outcome and understand that many of you will have concerns on receipt of this report.

“Obviously we have had knowledge of this outcome for a number of weeks and very much feel that we have made great progress in readiness for a re-inspection whenever that happens.

“Throughout the summer, we have worked very hard to bring about continued positive change and we know that you will see this reflected in your children.”

She said she had also bolstered the senior leadership team.

A former parent, who did not want to be named, said: “I took my child out of that school because of the sheer lack of structure, discipline, problem children and bullying.”

Chairman of governors Doug Metcalfe, said: “We were naturally very disappointed with the outcome and have spent the summer as a school and staff group making the changes and improvements highlighted.

“We have invited parents who have concerns to sit down with us one-to-one so we can talk through the changes we are making.”