GOVERNMENT inspectors have called for urgent action to be taken at a school after a highly critical report described a third of teaching unsatisfactory.

Spring Hill Primary School, Exchange Street, Accrington, has launched a special plan to raise levels following the report from OFSTED.

A standards squad found "serious weaknesses" during an inspection which it said affected the quality of education provided.

Test results were said to be well below national averages and although some examples of good teaching were found a third of lessons were said to be "less than satisfactory."

The inspection report praised the school's links with the community but added: "Nonetheless, the shortcomings in attainment, progress and teaching are too serious to ignore."

OFSTED has ordered the school to carry out a series of special measures to improve standards.

The school now faces further inspections and has been ordered to:

Improve the quality of teaching.

Improve levels of achievement.

Ensure better attendance.

Improve leadership and management.

Inspectors noted several positive features including good pupil behaviour and parental respect for the school.

Spring Hill caters for more than 400 pupils aged four to 11 with a high number of youngsters with special education needs and many speaking English as a second language.

Chairman of governors Mr Tony Drinkwater said: "The report contains a number of positive remarks which we can take heart from.

"I am sure that we can use our achievements to raise our quality of education provision."

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