Bridge School in Astmoor 'must improve' say Ofsted inspectors (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Runcorn school for expelled pupils slammed by Ofsted inspectors

12:30pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

A RUNCORN school for pupils expelled from mainstream education across Halton has been slammed by Ofsted inspectors.

Staff at the Bridge School in Chadwick Road, Astmoor, have been told that improvement is needed in all areas and awarded a low grade three.

The school was declared outstanding and grade one in 2010.

Inspectors criticised the excluded pupils’ attendance, punctuality and behaviour.

Lead inspector David Smith said: “In some lessons too much time is spent on managing behaviour at the expense of a focus on progress.

“The pace of learning is too slow, which lowers expectations and limits progress.

“Teaching lacks inspiration and students quickly become bored, which leads to negative behaviour.

“Homework is not set, which fails to prepare students for their return to the demands of mainstream education.

“A small number of students are reluctant to attend lessons and this occasionally unsettles day-to-day life.”

Inspectors observed five lessons as 30 excluded pupils, aged 11 to 14, were being taught. They scrutinised their work, spoke to students and and examined teachers’ planning.

They met staff, parents and the management committee.

They said progress in boys’ writing was not good enough and the quality of teaching was not consistent.

However, inspectors said that staff work well as a team and parents greatly appreciate the improvements their children had made.

The aim of the school is to return students to mainstream education after a short stay at the unit.

Mr Smith commended acting head teacher Diane Ahearn.

He said: “The acting head teacher is working constructively with the staff team to provide stability and promote continual improvement.”

The school will receive a full inspection within two years.