A SCHOOL has 'serious weaknesses' in the quality of education, according to an inspector's report.

School watchdogs Ofsted said the standard of teaching and learning in the reception class and infants at St Aidan's Primary School, Mill Hill, Blackburn, was very often good, but in the juniors, a "high and unacceptable proportion of teaching and learning is less then satisfactory."

The report says that while headteacher Brian Derbyshire is effective in ensuring day to day management, he does not provide clear direction, leadership or guidance for staff.

It says too much of his time is spent on issues which are not central to the strategic management and development of the school and this results in an unrealistic workload for the deputy head. The inspector found that many pupils do not achieve national standards. English, particularly writing, and maths standards are unsatisfactory.

However, the school was generally effective in promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and committed staff encouraged caring behaviour in and out of the classroom.

The Rev James McDonald, vicar of St Aidan's church and chairman of governors, said: "The Governors have already begun addressing this with the help of suggestions made in the report and we hope to see improvements in the standards and quality of education at our school very soon."

Ofsted inspectors found the quality of education at Sacred Heart School in Lynwood Road, Blackburn, was good and enjoyed above average results.

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