An 'inadequate' primary school in Oldham which was once slammed for lacking ambition by the education watchdog has improved since converting into an academy, a fresh report reveals.

The former Medlock Valley Community School on Deanshurt Road in Fitton Hill closed its doors in August 2019 after Ofsted deemed the school 'inadequate' in several key areas. 

Inspectors visited the premises in October 2018 and found bosses did not have "high enough" aspirations for pupils and had an "overgenerous view" of the school's effectiveness.

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The report also noted a "decline in the quality of education" and "weaknesses" in staffing and teaching across key stage 1 and 2 which hindered the progress of all pupils.

Ofsted warned this meant many "underachieved considerably" and put those with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND) at a disadvantage. 

Reading, writing, mathematics and the curriculum as a whole were also criticised for being "weak" and "ineffectively planned".

However, as the school converted into an academy in 2019, it was visited by a team of Ofsted inspectors again in February this year.

The new Medlock Valley Primary School teaches more than 300 children between the ages of three and 11 under the headteacher, Lisa Needham, and head of school, Joanne Backhouse.

The school is also governed by the Kingfisher Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust, which is responsible for several schools in the borough, including Littlemoor Primary School, Kingfisher Special School in Chadderton, Halycon Way, also in Chadderton, and Blackshaw Lane Primary and Nursery School in Royton.

Inspectors Ruth Moran, Michelle Ridsdale and Lisa Whittaker, said pupils at Medlock Valley are "happy", "friendly", "work hard" and "typically" achieve well.

The report added there is "little or no disruption" in lessons or day-to-day school life as pupils remain "attentive" while staff quickly resolve any concerns.

As a result, youngsters in early years have strong relationships with supportive staff and show "positive attitudes" to learning.

The inspectors then praised the school's "high expectations" of its pupils and its "broad, balanced and ambitious" curriculum which is taught by "well-equipped" staff.

The report also noted pupils learning to speak English receive "effective support" to develop their vocabulary while those with SEND are well supported to become "independent young people".

However, Ofsted said while pupils "try their best to succeed", some subjects are "relatively new" and that they have "gaps" in their knowledge as a result.

Reading is also a sore subject for the school as while it prioritises phonics, helps children who need extra support and promotes reading for enjoyment, some youngsters "do not read as regularly as they should".

This means some students do not receive enough practice to become competent readers.

Beyond the curriculum, the children benefit from a variety of activities, such as sewing, swimming and art clubs which are tailored to suit their needs and interests, and are taught to celebrate different languages and religions and differences to embrace each other's cultures.

The inspectors added: "Pupils pride themselves on making everyone feel welcome in their school."

Ofsted said governors support school leaders and hold them to account for the quality of education pupils receive as both remain "committed to nurturing talent and retaining staff".

The new academy has since been graded 'good' overall by Ofsted but inspectors highlighted two areas in need of improvement.

This includes ensuring teachers are "suitably equipped" to teach the curriculum consistently and helping pupils practice their reading.

The positive report also comes as the Kingfisher Learning Trust's school, the Halycon Way on Gordon Street, hit headlines earlier this year after being slammed by a parent.

The mother claimed her five-year-old son endured multiple trips to hospital as, she said, the school failed to cater to his special needs.

The little boy was born with a bleed on the brain and Silver Russell Syndrome, a rare disorder, and his mother suspected he may also have cerebral palsy.

However, a spokesperson for the Halycon Way refuted the claims and said the safety of its pupils "is our highest priority".

Medlock Valley Primary School and the Kingfisher Learning Trust were contacted by The Oldham Times about its 'good' report but declined the opportunity to comment.

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