A SCHOOL has been rapped by inspectors for 'unsatisfactory' and 'poor' teaching caused by staff being unsure of their subjects.

Ofsted inspectors found the quality of teaching was less than satisfactory in 25 per cent of lessons at Whittlefield Primary School, Burnley. They said: "There is unsatisfactory teaching in all classes with some poor teaching in reception where classroom management and pupil control is unsatisfactory.

"Where teaching is unsatisfactory or poor, staff are insecure in their subject knowledge and understanding."

The report noted the school had been changing from a nursery and infant into a primary which had created "many challenges and opportunities for development".

Major building work had been going on when the school was inspected in June and space was limited but staff were praised for making every effort to minimise disruption.

Pupils entering nursery were at very different stages of development - some had little speech and few social skills, others spoke with confidence, mixed well and attempted to write their names. Inspectors said: "Attainment in the nursery is satisfactory with most pupils on target to achieve the desirable learning outcomes for entry to compulsory education at five."

Attainment in key stage one was mostly satisfactory, mathematics was above the national average and art attainment good.

At key stage two overall progress was satisfactory but it varied between year groups and subjects. Some problems were down to building work.

Behaviour was satisfactory overall but some pupils presented "challenges" which staff needed to confront.

Headteacher Gillian Llewellyn offered clear educational direction but needed to delegate responsibilities more.

The school was deemed to provide "barely satisfactory" value for money and a six-point action plan was recommended.

Chairman of governors Bob Cawley said: "We realise there is a great deal of work to be done as we change from infant to primary school.

"However, we are all working very hard to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

"I am confident that, with the help of parents, we can face the challenges and provide good education." "To keep our standards high we will be following the inspectors recommendations to ensure improvements continue."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.