A NELSON primary school has been told that its standards of education are inadequate - and that it must turn around its fortunes urgently.

Education watchdog Ofsted has issued St Philip's CE Primary, in Leeds Road, with a notice to improve after inspectors ruled that provisions for the 132 pupils there were not good enough.

Illness and retirements among staff have led to 'turbulent' times for St Philip's school in the past few months, say inspectors.

And Ofsted officials are confident that newly-installed headteacher Kathryn Ellidge, with the help of new teachers and governors, can help St Philip's to turn the corner.

But inspectors are concerned over a decline in standards for English, maths and science, amid worries that underachievement has not been tackled effectively.

Commenting on the teaching situation, lead inspector Michael Onyon says in an inspection report: "This lack of continuity has had an adverse effect on pupils' progress in their learning."

The inspection team was also concerned about attendance, with pupils being taken out of lessons to embark on extended family visits to Pakistan.

Mr Onyon adds: "With good support from the local authority, strenuous efforts are now being made to reverse the decline in standards and improve provision.

"Staff and governors are united in their determination to raise standards. Some of the actions taken are already having a positive effect.

"For example, the quality of teaching and learning in the Foundation Stage has improved significantly and is good.

"In years one to six, the quality of teaching and learning is now satisfactory and this is helping pupils to make sound progress.

"However, there are weaknesses in the opportunities given for pupils to learn independently."

Ofsted remained happy with the pastoral care given to St Philip's youngsters and remarked positively on the moral, spiritual and social development of pupils in the school.

Mrs Ellidge is given a vote of confidence by inspectors, as the school begins its fight to overturn the improvement notice.

"Leadership and management are satisfactory overall," says Mr Onyon.

"Since her appointment, the headteacher, ably supported by the deputy headteacher, has set a clear direction for the school.

"Governors are supportive and, in partnership with the headteacher, focused on raising standards. There is a good working relationship between staff and the governing body.

"The school knows that improvement is needed and that pupils can do better. The newly formed leadership team has recognised the right ways to go forward."

The school will now have regular monitoring visits by Ofsted, over the next 12 months, and could benefit from extra resources provided by Lancashire County Council to tackle the problems identified by Ofsted