A PUPIL referral unit has been told to improve by Ofsted after inspectors found the quality of teaching to be lacking.

Victory Park Academy was rated ‘requires improvement’ overall – the second lowest possible rating – following an inspection last month.

The pupil referral unit in Wentworth Road, Southend, was however praised for helping pupils, who had been removed from mainstream education, return to regular schooling or prepare for a future in work or further education.

The report, published this week, focused criticism on leadership’s failure to identify the gaps in pupils learning required to best help them return to mainstream education.

“Pupils who struggle with reading have not had the help they need in order to learn to read fluently quickly enough,” inspectors wrote.

Ofsted inspectors noted that pupils at the school had “not had positive experiences of school and education previously” but benefited from their time Victory Park.

“Increasing proportions of pupils completing their education here gain a range of useful qualifications that help with the next stage of education or employment,” the report said.

“Almost all pupils who attend for a short time are successful in returning to mainstream schools to continue with their education.”

Staff were said to have a “strong understanding of pupils’ social and emotional needs,” and were also praised for being “caring and supportive”.

“Pupils receive the help they need to improve and manage their own behaviour. They know the high expectations that adults have in terms of behaviour," the report said.

“Pupils feel safe. Bullying is rare and not tolerated. Most pupils make strong improvements in their attitudes to learning and attendance, especially those who stay here for a longer period.”

The school was praised for providing students with plenty of trips, activities and visits from speakers, to help inspire the children.

Leadership was however criticised for failing to provide the training that teachers need, particularly for the teaching of reading and pupils with SEND.

“School leaders have an over-generous view of the effectiveness of some aspects of their work,” the report added.

The academy has been contacted for comment.