STAFF and leaders at a South East Cornwall primary school have pledged to work together after a critical Ofsted inspection report.

Following a visit to Liskeard Hillfort Primary School in January 2013, the Ofsted report lists serious concerns on some aspects of management, teaching, and pupil progress.  

Inspectors praised the behaviour of children at the school, who 'enjoy lessons, clubs and educational visits', and the reception class was named as a particular strength. The work of the recently-appointed headteacher in uniting staff and drawing up a clear plan for improvements was also recognised.

Governance of the school was criticised by Ofsted, however, which concluded that the school needed external support to be able to improve in three key areas. The school's governing body decided to dissolve itself following the release of the report.

Many parents of children at Hillfort were shocked by Ofsted's verdict of 'inadequate' and said they believed that it did not paint a true picture.

'The report reads very badly and I think it doesn't accurately reflect the school environment,' said parent Andria Threadgill, who has three children at Hillfort.

'The report is inconsistent and contradictory. The teachers care about each child in the class, and have always been very proactive in the kids' learning,' she added, describing the school as an 'inspirational place where children are challenged'.

Mum Esther Hall said: 'There were so many things that conflicted in the report – it does not read like the school we know and love.'

At a meeting this week attended by around 60 parents and the school's staff, Tim Osborne, of the senior county school improvement team, explained how Government expectations for progress and attainment in schools have been set higher. Parents heard how discussions are now likely to take place with the Department for Education about the school converting to academy status.

Parents also learned during this week's meeting that an interim governing body for the school is in the process of being arranged.

'We made the difficult but collective decision to step down in order to support the transition to a new governing body,' said former parent-governor Steve Clark.

'We have confidence in the steps that are being taken to bring the school out of special measures.'

The school will now work with the close support of the local authority and will receive regular monitoring visits from Ofsted, said Mr Osborne.

Esther Hall voiced the feelings of many of those present at the meeting in vouching to support the staff. Mr Osborne encouraged parents to join a parents' forum, urging them to trust in the teachers and to continue to be proud of the school.

A start had already been made in setting the required improvements in motion, the school said, and indeed this was noted in the Ofsted report itself, which said that 'effective systems for monitoring the work of the school and its impact on pupils' progress' had been established and that 'teachers are beginning to work with greater confidence.'

This was echoed by associate headteacher

Sheryll Alexander, who said: 'I feel that we absolutely do have the capacity to improve.

'It's about being smarter about using data and about being focused. It's making sure the teachers have had all the training they need. What's important is that we work together along with county and parents.

'I've felt what it's like in classrooms – there's good learning going on.'