JUST weeks after a new head started work at a Chippenham primary school Ofsted inspectors have branded it inadequate.

But Jane Howie-Lee, who took over at St Mary's Roman Catholic primary this term, has already held a meeting with parents to outline ways the school will improve.

She said: "We are committed to achieving the best for our pupils and since the inspection we have put in place a detailed improvement plan to address the issues.

"These plans are having a positive effect and we are confident that we are on the right track to continue improvements. We know there is plenty to do and we are grateful for parents’ support as we bring in the changes and together we believe we can move forward and make a positive difference to the school.

"As the new headteacher, I am committed to driving through improvement with the full support of the staff and governors and with support from Wiltshire Council."

A spokesman for Clifton diocese said: "The Diocese is saddened by the outcome and recognises the disappointment parents will feel. It will now continue to work with the school’s newly formed leadership team, and local authority to ensure significant progress is achieved as quickly as possible, thereby restoring confidence for parents in the quality of education being provided."

In recent months parents had expressed concerns that it had been ten years since the school had been inspected and welcomed the visit that took place in July.

But the inspectors findings did little to allay fears as they found the school had dropped from outstanding in 2008 to inadequate.

The report said: "Over time, leaders have failed to halt the steep decline in the quality of education the school provides. Pupils’ outcomes are inadequate.

"Safeguarding is not effective, including in the early years. Supervision of pupils is inadequate. Pupils are exposed to unnecessary risk. Staff morale is low. Children in the Reception make poor progress and lack independence. In addition, transition arrangements between nursery and reception are weak.

"Activities do not challenge or inspire pupils. Teachers’ expectations of what pupils can achieve are far too low and support staff are not deployed effectively.

"The school’s pupil premium strategy is not fit for purpose."