A Watford school has come under fire for not addressing gaps in its pupils’ learning.

Central Primary School in Derby Road was rated 'requires improvement' in an Ofsted report published on July 7, following an inspection on May 23 and 24.

Headteacher Sabrina Wright said the school is disappointed with the rating but is “confident that we can address the issues that Ofsted has identified for improvement”.

Watford Observer: Central Primary School in Derby Road, WatfordCentral Primary School in Derby Road, Watford (Image: Google Street View)

The school, which teaches 414 children from age three to 11, has been told that the leadership team needs to ensure teachers have “sufficient subject-specific knowledge and training” on how to teach the new curriculum.

Inspectors said the updated curriculum is not being consistently implemented and called for staff to have training to better meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

SEND pupils need more help from adults as they “disengage and distract other pupils” because staff are not effective in adapting how they them, according to the report.

Students' reading ability was also earmarked as an area that needs to be improved, with the school being asked to give weaker readers books to match their ability and support to catch up.

Despite the school needing to improve, Ofsted praised areas it was performing well in.  

Inspectors were pleased with the school for identifying areas that need to be improved and acknowledged that steps are being taken to implement positive changes.

Children also said they liked attending a diverse school where many different languages are spoken because it “helps them understand the world better”.

They added that their teachers are “kind and friendly”.

Mrs Wright said the Ofsted rating wasn’t “unexpected” due to Covid disrupting a number of areas.

She added: “We’re pleased the inspectors noted that leaders are accurate in identifying areas to improve and that we are already working within the school to improve these.

“Our staff and new leadership team are working tirelessly to provide the best education to the children at Central Primary School and we’re confident that we can address the issues that Ofsted has identified for improvement.”