A SCHOOL tasked with taking ‘urgent action’ to tackle inadequacies has not made enough improvements, an education watchdog has said.

Wheatley Church of England Primary School was placed in special measures in April after being rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted.

Inspectors checked on its progress in November and have now raised fresh concerns, branding the pace of improvement ‘too slow’.

A new report released by the regulator states: “Leaders are not taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.

“The headteacher is absent and has been away for much of the autumn term.

“Actions since the previous inspection have lacked the necessary rigour, urgency and impact. There is no clear analysis of the school’s main strengths and weaknesses.

“Teaching is not improving and progress for many pupils is yet to accelerate in order to allow them to catch up lost ground.”

It said the school’s plan to combat failures was ‘not fit for purpose’, and advised leaders not to appoint newly-qualified teachers.

The primary in Wheatley teaches 348 pupils and received the ‘inadequate’ rating for several reasons, including safeguarding concerns.

Its governing body has been replaced with a committee appointed by Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, which runs the school.

Ofsted did note ‘early promise’ with some staff and an improvement in governance.

It added: “In the last few weeks the trust...has more fully grasped the scale of change required.”

The school has been contacted for comment.