AN URMSTON primary has been told it 'requires improvement' after a visit by inspectors.

Ofsted inspectors visited Urmston Primary on Wycliffe Road in February and rated their behaviour and attitudes as good but 'the quality of education, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision' were ranked as 'requires improvement'.

Inspectors said that the school leaders 'do not ensure that pupils develop a broad range of skills and knowledge across all aspects of the curriculum'. They claimed that subjects such as art, music, design and technology and religious education 'are not well developed'.

In the report, it said that the leaders had 'not provided enough guidance and support for teachers in these subjects' and that some 'teachers try to fit together short unconnected pieces of learning' which was 'not effective and leaves gaps in pupils’ knowledge'.

The inspection team led by Claire Cropper, said that they need to improve of the 'learning that takes place in the nursery class which does not prepare children well enough for reception' which is true in reading and physical development.

They also said the school have to improve as 'some subject leaders have insufficient knowledge of learning in early years' which means they are able to 'ensure that pupils and younger children across the school access a high-quality curriculum'.

The report added: "Leaders have recognised that a previously stronger focus on reading, writing and mathematics has led to weaknesses in how other subject areas are planned and delivered'.

It added that training should be given to staff so that teachers order pupils learning in a logical way.

Inspectors rated the school needed to improve as 'not all leaders were clear about what challenges disadvantaged pupils need to overcome to enable them to achieve as their peers'.

School bosses were praised for their achievements of Year 6 pupils and the new curriculum while the reading curriculum was 'well planned and effective'.

Headteacher Simon Parker said: "We are obviously not pleased wth the judgement but had a lot of support from parents and are looking forward to moving on from here."