ANOTHER Bradford primary school has been placed in special measures following a highly critical Ofsted inspection.

The new report into Clayton CofE Primary says there has been a “severe decline” in pupil progress since the last inspection in 2012, when the school was rated “good.”

However, the report says a newly appointed head has made a “promising start” and governors are beginning to put the school on the “right path.”

The report, which follows an inspection last month, says the 490 pupil school was inadequate for its leadership and management, quality of teaching and outcomes for pupils, especially in maths. Its behaviour and early years provision requires improvement.

It says “Progress in mathematics over a number of years has been exceptionally poor and is not improving.

“The governing body has not managed to address the serious concerns of which they have been aware for some time.”

It also says pupils’ knowledge about other cultures and religions other than Christianity was “weak.”

A new executive head, Sarah Horsbrough, took over at the school at the start of the current academic year, and the report says: “On arrival at the school, she discovered a more challenging situation than expected.

“She has made a positive start. However, most improvements are at an early stage and fragile.”

Mrs Horsbrough said: “We accept the findings of the Ofsted report and are determined to ensure that the school provides a good education for our pupils.

“We are pleased that the Ofsted inspectors’ report recognises that since I arrived as Executive Headteacher, in September, we have made a good start in securing the improvements that are necessary.

“Ofsted recognises that there is some strong teaching within the school and that there are signs of improvements in reading and writing in some classes. We intend to build on this progress.

“I am confident that working together we can make the improvements that are needed at Clayton CofE Primary and I would like to reassure parents that staff and governors will be working tirelessly to ensure that this happens.”

Judith Kirk, Bradford Council’s Deputy Director of Education, said: “We had already recognised that Clayton CofE Primary needed close support and we have worked with the school’s governing body to help them to bring in an Executive Head from Bradford with a strong track record of school improvement.

“The report highlights that the new Executive Head has already made a promising start and we will continue to work with the school to ensure these improvements continue.”