PARENTS from a primary school in Chippenham are delighted that Ofsted has returned to inspect the school for the first time in 10 years – and are now waiting to hear if inspectors share their concerns.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary in Rowden Hill was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2008. By law, the majority of outstanding schools are exempt from routine inspection.

As there have been three interim headteachers since a former head’s resignation in 2017, parents had campaigned for Ofsted to re-inspect the school, believing the frequent changes of staff were having a negative impact which meant the inspectors should be called in.

Parents were told about the Ofsted visit last Tuesday and Wednesday (July 10 and 11) and were invited to send their views to Ofsted.

It is understood their feedback raised concerns about leadership and management of the school, but said child welfare, teaching and the children’s behaviour has been good.

Parent Richard Owen, 51, from Chippenham, said: “The school sent an email out that Ofsted were coming in to the school and I think it is very much a step in the right direction.

“I was delighted, to be honest, there is only one way the school can go now and that is up.

“I think an independent body coming in and having a look is a positive.”

Parents who have spoken to the Gazette said although they couldn’t see what others had commented when they filled in their online surveys, they could see the scores others had given in various sections, with concerns about leadership and management being raised.

One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “We were sent an email with a link attached for us to do the parent view for Ofsted. I was really happy about that.

“Our problems are mostly with leadership, we feel it has been failing. The previous head left and the superhead left.

“I am quite positive at the moment and I think there are going to be some improvements made.”

The Diocese of Clifton, which funds the school, says a permanent headteacher is due to take over the reins at St Mary’s in September.

They refused to comment until the report is published.

St Mary’s school also refused to comment.

A spokesman for Ofsted said: “We carried out a full inspection of the school. The findings and judgements are currently going through quality assurance checks and will be published in due course.”