Gorseland Primary School in Martlesham Heath, near Kesgrave and Ipswich, downgraded to requires improvements from outstanding by Ofsted

A primary school near Kesgrave with an absent headteacher and mostly new leadership has major inconsistencies, an education watchdog has revealed.

Ofsted said Gorseland Primary School in Deben Avenue, Martlesham Heath, downgraded from an outstanding rating to requires improvements in May review.

While staff were ambitious and had high expectations for students, who are known to work hard, concerns were raised over staff knowledge of subjects and with how they check what pupils remember, and how well they learned the curriculum.

In addition, lead inspector Michael Williams said staff did not always receive the support and guidance they needed to help students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) – which meant there were times where students were not supported properly – and led to SEND provisions being deemed inconsistent by the watchdog.

Mr Williams said: “Leaders must ensure they provide all staff with the guidance and training they need to support all pupils with SEND.

“They must then rigorously monitor and evaluate the impact of this provision.”

Pupils looked forward to school trips, and early-year care at the school were also highlighted in the report.

Gorseland Primary School had 505 pupils aged three to 11 on its roll at the time of the review.

Its previous inspection was back in December 2017, where it was rated outstanding.

The headteacher at the school was absent at the time of the inspection. A deputy headteacher left in April 2022, with another leaving in December.

In addition, an acting headteacher – who was previously a deputy – took on the role in April this year.

Mr Williams said many leaders at the school were new to their roles.

Many are developing their expertise to monitor areas of responsibility, but have not all had the opportunity to do so.

However, Ofsted praised safeguarding at the school, describing it as safe.

Leaders completed pre-employment checks on adults and staff received regular training and updates, Mr William stated.

He added: “Leaders report concerns about pupils quickly, following the agreed school procedures.

“Leaders keep precise and accurate records of concerns raised, and all associated actions.

“They act in a timely manner, which includes seeking additional support from external agencies.

“Governors hold leaders to account for safeguarding practices in the school. The curriculum teaches pupils how to keep safe. This includes when they are online.”

Gorseland Primary School’s deputy headteacher has since said school staff are confident they will make rapid changes.

School faculty want to address the challenges raised in the report head-on.