A WHITEFIELD primary school has been told that it ‘requires improvement’ by inspectors.

Bury and Whitefield Jewish Primary, in Parr Lane, received the rating in all but one area following a visit from Ofsted in March.

It is a dramatic change from the 'outstanding' rating the school received at its last inspection in 2007.

The school was awarded the 'requires improvement' rating in five areas. They are: the effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes for pupils and early years provision.

However, the school was rated 'good' for personal development, behaviour and welfare.

School inspectors reported that middle leadership at the school ‘was not developed enough to bring about the necessary improvements’.

The report also stated that ‘pupils’ progress in mathematics in key stage 1 is slow’ and that ‘teachers’ expectations of pupils are not high enough’.

Inspectors also reported that ‘pupils are not consistently challenged in some subjects because tasks are not matched well enough to the next steps in their learning’.

The school, which has 167 pupils, were told they must improve the quality of leadership and management in the school, as well as the quality of pupils’ personal development and welfare, and enhance the quality of teaching and learning to improve the progress of pupils.

Ofsted did praise recent changes in governance at the school, which they reported ‘have brought a renewed ambition’ as ‘governors have accurately assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the school’.

The report added that safeguarding is ‘an area of strength’ and that ‘leaders have created a vigilant culture where pupils feel safe’.

Prior to the report being published, the school's chairman of governors, Harvey Jacobson, wrote to parents to reassure parents and set out plans for the future.

He told the Bury Times: "I am disappointed with the outcome of the report, even though some of the things which were said in regard to educational matters are fair points to make.

"Most importantly, we are well on the way to putting them right. We have made changes to the structure of our leadership in key stage one.

"We have had an awful lot of support from parents. They are pleased that we set everything out in a letter to them."