A PRIMARY School in Penketh has been told it needs to improve by Ofsted inspectors following a disappointing inspection in November.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School was handed the second lowest rating, identifying the school as requires improvement.

Inspectors criticised the standard of teaching, claiming teachers fail to set work which challenges its pupils and that the teaching of specific writing skills lacks precision.

The governing body was also flagged up as ‘not sufficiently robust in holding leaders to account’.

Despite a number of criticisms, the school on Walton Avenue was applauded for behaviour and safety of the school’s pupils, acknowledging this as one of the school’s strengths.

The report read: “Pupils behave well, are eager to learn and their attendance is above average. Pupils know how to keep themselves and others safe.”

Inspectors were also confident that the leaders and governors at the school have the ability to take the school forward.