A poorly performing Walsall primary school which has been subject to special measures for two years is gradually taking steps to improve, says Ofsted following a recent inspection.

Education bosses noted that following a change in leadership and improved management techniques Edgar Stammers Primary Academy, in Harden Road, Coalpool, was gradually seen to be progressing.

In a letter to the school's Executive Headteacher Mrs Caroline Jobling, Ofsted Inspector Marilyn Mottram, who carried out the latest visit, said: "This was the fourth monitoring inspection since the academy became subject to special measures in November 2016.

"Having considered all the evidence, I am of the opinion that the school's leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures. However, I strongly recommend that the academy does not seek to appoint newly qualified teachers."

Following the inspection, carried out in October and published this week, Ms Mottram added: "I met with a group of parents in the new community hub and then met with all the staff at the end of the first day. We examined the school's improvement plan and looked at information about pupils' progress.

Edgar Stammers Primary Academy, Coalpool, Walsall
Edgar Stammers Primary Academy, Coalpool, Walsall

"The inspection focused on key stages 1 and 2 and particularly on the impact of the changes in leadership since March 2018. The previous headteacher left the school at the end of April 2018, and as part of the multi-academy trust's support arrangements, Mrs Jobling was appointed executive headteacher.

"There have been a number of staffing changes since our previous monitoring

inspection. Three teachers have left the school, including the staff member with responsibility for managing provisions for pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities.

"The executive head is very clear about what the school has done - and what still needs to be done - to fully address the areas for improvement identified previously.

"As a result of the new and redefined leadership roles, clear lines of accountability have been established. The school is now fully staffed, expectations have been raised and team spirit is strong," she said.

"A full timetable and programme of activities is in place to monitor the quality of teaching, learning and assessment. Newly appointed leaders for English and for the provision for pupils who have SEN and/or disabilities, have quickly gained a secure understanding of the priorities for their areas of responsibility.

"The school is fully aware that these improvements have not yet led to better achievements for all groups of pupils in all subjects. For example, those pupils who have fallen behind in key stage 1 and lower key stage 2 are not all catching up as quickly in writing as they are in mathematics and reading.

"Leaders have taken actions to address this. Work in pupils' books shows that more teachers are correcting errors in basic punctuation, spelling and grammar, and pupils are responding well to this," added Ms Mottram.

Ofsted said the ongoing changes will be reviewed at the next monitoring inspection.