A SPECIAL school criticised for unsatisfactory leadership in an inspector's report has already taken steps to remedy the problem.

The inspector from the Office for Standards in Education noted that Townhouse Special School, Nelson, had held a recent management audit which had identified the weaknesses, and appropriate plans had been made to address them.

But he added: "The school does not presently provide satisfactory value for money."

The report praised the quality of relationships, the attitudes and behaviour of pupils and students and the partnerships with the community. The school has 35 pupils aged two to 19, 19 have severe learning difficulties and 16 have profound and multiple difficulties.

The quality of teaching was good overall and planning was satisfactory for individual lessons with clear overall objectives and individual targets for pupils. But the targets were generally insufficiently specific to enable teachers to carefully record pupils' progress. The report says: "Teachers use of time is sometimes inefficient and leads to inadequate coverage of some areas of the curriculum.

"The curriculum is broad but not balanced and therefore unsatisfactory in a number of respects. The governing body had failed in its duty to ensure the implementation of the full National Curriculum."

The inspector noted that the governors, headteacher and staff had responded "swiftly and positively" to the weaknesses but added: "Much remains to be done in ensuring that the plans are implemented but there is a clear commitment to development not previously in place."

A five-point action plan was urged to improve: leadership and management; National Curriculum coverage; assessment; evaluation; governors' role.

Acting headteacher Mrs Debbie Morris said: "The report reflects the hard-work that goes on at Townhouse. The governors' action plan will also assist us to develop the future of the school and further extend the good work that has already been established."

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