A STRUGGLING Burnley primary school has been put under special measures, after inspectors handed out a caning to governors and teaching chiefs.

The Ofsted report found Coal Clough school's weaknesses outweighed its strengths, that it provided a poor ethos for learning, lacked clear targets for improvement and had a very poor educational direction set by the governing body and management team.

Now Lancashire Education Authority specialists will be called in to help develop plans to tackle the problems and weaknesses and to raise educational standards.

An action committee has been formed to implement plans to improve standards and overall management of the Swindon Street school.

Inspectors found several positive points and that there had been improvements since the previous inspection.

However levels of attainment in the core English, mathematics and science subjects had failed to improve.

The progress of most pupils was poor at two key stages, about a quarter of teaching seen by inspectors was unsatisfactory and the school provided unsatisfactory value for money, they say.

The inspectors found that there was good provision and progress for the under-fives, the attitude and behaviour of pupils was good and many teachers were committed, hard working and keen. But they said the school's weaknesses outweigh its strengths.

The governors and headteacher, Mr JM Barrett have pledged to take positive action to raise standards.

Chairman of governors Henry McCormack said: "We have already made improvements in many areas and I am sure that this will continue."

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