A Sandwell school labelled ‘inadequate’ by the education watchdog Ofsted, had said it can and will make improvements.

Yew Tree Primary on Birchfield Way was found to have failed in three out of five areas by inspectors who highlighted failings in safety.   

The rating was a blow to the school which had previously been rated good for its educational standards.

But headteacher Rachel Hawkings said she is sure teachers and governors can put it back on the right track.  

Inspectors commented the school did not consistently take effective action to secure pupils’ welfare and ensure that they are safe.

Yew Tree Primary on Birchfield Way, Sandwell
Yew Tree Primary on Birchfield Way, Sandwell

They also noted pupils’ progress in reading at the end of key stage 2 was  below national averages for the past three years.

They added the quality of teaching has declined since the last inspection and management  had not guided teachers to successfully improve their practice.

But they also said relationships between staff and pupils were strong and,  despite the shortcomings in safeguarding, pupils felt safe at school and learnt how to be safe in the local community.

They also said teaching in key stage 2 supported children to make the progress they should in writing and mathematics while behaviour in lessons and around the school  was good.

Rachel Hawkins, responding to the findings said: “Whilst we are obviously disappointed with the overall judgement from the Ofsted inspection, there are clearly specific areas which we can improve immediately.

"We recognise the areas we need to develop further as a school but also welcome recognition of the strengths outlined within the report.

“Our safeguarding recording systems have already been improved and we have worked with the Sandwell safeguarding team who have given our new systems their full endorsement.

“We are confident that working together we can make the rest of the changes needed quickly and would like to reassure parents and carers that staff and management will be working tirelessly to ensure that this happens.”