A HEADMASTER has come under fire in a strongly critical school inspector's report.

The leadership of Frank Jeffs, head of St Luke and St Philip's CE primary school, Blackburn, has been questioned in a report by school watchdogs Ofsted.

It says although he has been effective in promoting a caring ethos and provided a safe and secure environment, "in other respects, however, his leadership is not effective."

It goes on to say. "He does not demonstrate a clear understanding of development planning and has not directed priorities towards improving pupils' standards of achievement and quality of learning.

"Management and oversight of the curriculum is inadequate and monitoring of the work of staff to whom responsibilities are delegated is not effective.

"The information and advice supplied by the headteacher to the governing body is not sufficiently useful for it to be able to carry out its responsibilities effectively."

Mr Jeffs said he accepted the report and was confident the school would tackle the problems highlighted with the launch of an action plan. He said: "There are a lot of very good things mentioned which we are very pleased about and we are determined to go forward from this.

"I will be addressing the criticisms that are levelled at me."

While the infant section of the 228-pupil school in Hancock Street, Blackburn, had little criticism, the juniors have a "significant proportion of underachievers."

The majority of junior pupils are achieving below national expectations in science, design and technology and history.

The report says the quality of education provided by the school has some strengths but also significant weaknesses.

Poor teaching was seen in history, geography and physical education but standards in English, art and music are in line with national levels.

In a separate denominational inspection, the inspector said the school had a welcoming and caring atmosphere.

The chairman of governors, the Rev Peter Grierson, said: "The report has made a number of suggestions aimed at improving the education we offer our children which we are putting into practice through an action plan."

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