A SCHOOL has been ordered to make improvements following its first inspection since it became an academy.

The Glebe Primary School, in Creswick Avenue, Rayleigh, has been rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted following a visit earlier this year.

It had been rated Good during its previous inspection in 2017, when it was a community school.

A report published following the latest inspection states “pupils do not learn as much as they should” and the school has been asked to implement a more “ambitious” system of assessment.

Inspectors found attendance among some pupils was below required levels and meant they were struggling with key skills, such as reading.

The report added: “The phonics programme is not working well.

“Staff have not received training that ensures they understand how best to teach phonics.

“They arrange misguided activities, such as those that promote pattern finding instead of practising reading sounds in words.

“Some pupils receive books they cannot read, while others receive books that are too easy for them.

“These flaws affect the weakest readers most."

Ofsted rated the school Requires Improvement in three areas – leadership, quality of education and early years provision.

The other two categories, personal development and behaviour, were rated Good.

At the time of the inspection, there were 426 children at the school, with pupils aged between three and 11.

Inspectors did reserve praise for the relationship pupils had with staff, adding that students felt “happy and safe”.

Glebe Primary School is now part of the Rayleigh Schools Trust, which also runs The Sweyne Park School.

In response to Glebe Primary’s Ofsted inspection, co-headteachers Helen Coote and John Edwards insisted inspectors were complimentary about the work being done by staff.

They added: “We are very proud that inspectors identified the exemplary behaviour of our pupils, the supportive and inclusive ethos of the school and our programme of personal development as particular strengths.

"In addition to this, parents’ comments were overwhelmingly positive in their parent view questionnaire.

"All of the areas for improvement identified by Ofsted are already under development in school, under the direction of a new Leadership Team.

"We are confident that the dedication, enthusiasm and efforts of school staff will bring about rapid improvement here at Glebe Primary School."