The governing body of a Sandbach primary school which has received an 'inadequate' Ofsted grading has stood down and an Interim Executive Board appointed. 

And an interim headteacher has also been appointed and she is working alongside Cheshire East Council, the Diocese of Chester and staff on improvement plans. 

St John's Church of England Primary School in Sandbach Heath received an 'inadequate' grading in the latest Ofsted report published this month (February). 

In the Early years provision, the school received a 'requires improvement' grade. 

Among the list of improvements the Ofsted report are: "The school, including those responsible for governance, does not fulfil its statutory duties to safeguard pupils and staff's welfare and well-being. 

"The school, including governors, must take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils and staff.  

"The school has not made sure that staff know what pupils need to learn. As a result, pupils receive a disconnected series of lessons that do not build their knowledge and understanding. 

(Photo: Nub News)

"In key stages 1 and 2, teachers have not received the support or the guidance that they need to implement the curriculum well. This means that pupils Inspection report: St John's CofE Primary School 26 September, and 6 and 7 December 2023 5 underachieve considerably. 

"The school does not identify the additional needs of pupils with SEND accurately. Staff do not have the knowledge that they need to understand complex special educational needs. This means that staff do not meet the learning needs of pupils with SEND." 

Mrs Nevin Deakin has been appointed the Interim head teacher at St John's Church of England Primary School, while headteacher Mr Rob Whittle is off sick.

Mrs Deakin said: "We recognise that this report is disappointing for parents and carers and the school fully accepts the findings.  

"We have met with Parents and Carers, sharing the report, our improvement plans and providing an opportunity to ask questions.  

"As Interim Headteacher I continue to work alongside Cheshire East Council, the Diocese and our supportive staff on these plans. 

"The current Governing Board has agreed to stand down and an Interim Executive Board has been formally appointed.  

"This new board will provide interim expertise and high-quality governance support to future improvements in the school. 

"Our aim is that children feel safe, achieve well and enjoy their time at St John's as we seek to move forward with the necessary changes." 

The link for the Ofsted report, based inspections on 26 September, and 6th and 7th December 2023 is here

Sandbach Nub News has approached Cheshire East Council for a comment.

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