School falls from grace after Ofsted inspection

St Giles Primary School, in Matlock, was visited by Ofsted inspectors on 20-21 June.

The damning report that followed, published on Tuesday, found that the school’s performance was inadequate in every respect, apart from the behaviour and safety of pupils.

The quality of teaching, achievement of pupils, as well as the leadership and management of the school were all deemed to be far below the minimum standard required.

The report explains an inadequate school is one failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and where the leaders have not demonstrated that they can secure the required improvement.

Head teacher Rev Julie Stanton said she was “disappointed” with the report but remained “confident” the school could address the issues.

She said: “We’ve already taken firm, positive action and [made] improvements to the quality of teaching and learning in all classes...We are determined to look ahead and put pupils and learning at the heart of our future vision for the school.”

But parents at the school do not all share the head teacher’s optimism.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “There’s some great teachers there and the kids are great. But it’s the leadership that’s failing. I would urge parents to stand by the school but put pressure on the head to resign.”