Ofsted slams Henry Fawcett Primary

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Ofsted slams Henry Fawcett Primary

Monday, 16 November 2009

Henry Fawcett Primary School

GOVERNMENT inspectors have issued a damning report on a primary school.

The Ofsted report on Henry Fawcett Primary School in Bowling Green Street, Kennington, was released following an inspection in September.

Labour-run Lambeth council has run the school since former headteacher James Walker was suspended a year ago.

The report said: “It is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement.

“Teaching is unsatisfactory, behaviour is poor, attendance is low and the youngest children at the school are given a poor start to their education.”

The school will now be placed on “special measures” – meaning it will be closely monitored by the Government.

Inspectors toured the buildings weeks after Labour-run Lambeth council dismissed the board of governors – including Cabinet minister Jack Straw’s son Will.

Meanwhile, former head Mr Walker returned to work at the school in September 2008 after a period of illness.

He was suspended by Lambeth after an allegation made by an assistant head on November 28.

The council said during his absence support has been provided by two “experienced” headteachers.

An Ofsted report in 2006 said the school was “satisfactory” and the head provided “good leadership”.

A Lambeth council spokesman said: “The interim arrangements need more time to become established.

“The interests of the children are paramount, which is why we have taken the necessary steps to ensure the interim leadership will put the school on the right footing to move it forward.”

Mr Walker has launched a disability discrimination claim against Lambeth at the employment tribunal service.

His case will be heard on Thursday.

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