Pupils did ‘not achieve well in reading, writing or mathematics’ and their outcomes were ‘significantly below national averages’.

A Chesterfield primary school with a spotless record of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ Ofsted ratings has been urged to carry out ‘swift’ improvements.

Ofsted inspectors visited Spire Junior School, located at Jaw Bones Hill, on July 14, with an inspection report published on October 21.

While personal development and wellbeing ‘met the expected standard’, inspectors found that all five other areas inspected ‘need attention’.

These included Achievement, Attendance and behaviour, Curriculum and teaching, Inclusion and Leadership and governance.

The ‘need attention’ rating means that while the expected standards are not met, leaders are ‘likely’ to be able to make the necessary improvements.

Inspectors have praised the school, which has 175 pupils on its roll, for creating a ‘friendly and supportive environment’ where pupils ‘feel happy and safe’.

Ofsted noted that while ‘high expectations of behaviour’ were ‘evident’ sometimes pupils were ‘not able to learn due to behaviour incidents in their classroom’.

Pupils have reported that bullying happened ‘occasionally’ but teachers were ‘usually’ able to help.

Inspectors found that while leaders have created ‘a well-sequenced curriculum’, the quality of the teaching was ‘not consistently effective’.

While pupils were ‘enthusiastic about their learning’ and wanted to succeed, in ‘some subjects’ pupils did ‘not achieve well’.

The report found that over time, pupils did ‘not achieve well in reading, writing or mathematics’ by the end of key stage 2 and their outcomes were ‘significantly below national averages’.

Ofsted noted that at times disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs or disabilities received work that did ‘not take enough account of what they know and can do’ and did ‘not achieve as well as they should’.

However, inspectors found that the ‘relatively new governing body understands its role and responsibilities’ with governors attending training to help them improve the school.

Inspectors have suggested a number of steps the Chesterfield primary should take to perform better in the future.

Leaders have been urged to bring about the necessary improvement to the school’s provision ‘swiftly’ and ensure that ‘highly effective teaching is embedded and consistent’ throughout the school.

Inspectors further asked the school to make sure all staff have ‘consistently high expectations of pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning’ and that ‘positive behaviours are taught and modelled’.

Spire Junior School has been approached for a comment.