A PRIMARY school is Widnes is planning to make 'significant improvements' after it was rated inadequate by Ofsted.

Ofsted visited Simms Cross primary school in Kingsway between November 7 and 8 and judged it to be inadequate across effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for pupils and early years provision.

But, the report stated that safeguarding at the school and the plans for improvement were two key strengths.

Head teacher of Simms Cross primary school, Gillian Rowland, said: "We are disappointed that the school has been judged as inadequate by Ofsted but accept the report and the Ofsted findings.

"You will see from the report that the school needs to make significant improvements across all key stages.

"We want to reassure parents that the staff, governors and council are working together to secure rapid improvements in the identified areas in the report and are committed to providing the best education and outcomes for the children at Simms Cross.

"We were pleased that Ofsted acknowledged that ‘the recently appointed headteacher and governors have an accurate picture of the school’s position.

"'Their plans for improvement are well focused.’

"However, Ofsted found that there has not been enough time to show long term impact and address all the challenges identified in the report.

"It was also pleasing that the inspection team agreed with the school that the pupils ‘are friendly and polite to visitors’ and ‘typically move around the school safely’ and that it ‘is contributing well to pupils’ understanding of British values and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development’.

"One of the key areas identified for improvement was pupil attendance.

"Parents will already noticed that as a result of the new approach introduced by the new head teacher, attendance has started to improve and this will continue to be closely monitored.

"The school and the council are committed to working together to ensure all pupils can fulfil their potential."

A spokesperson for Halton Borough Council said: "We were disappointed that Simms Cross was graded inadequate by Ofsted following the two-day inspection in November 2018.

"The school is now being supported by a national leader in education, and the council and school are working together to secure rapid improvement and ensure that all children are able to achieve their full potential."