A GORNAL primary school has been told to improve by education inspectors.

Red Hall Primary Primary School in Lower Gornal has been degraded from its former 'good' rating to 'requires improvement' by Ofsted.

The report, which was published on October 9, detailed findings from an inspection carried out on September 11 and 12.

Education watchdogs have told the school to improve in each of its areas of assessment, including quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management and early years education.

The school was rated overall as 'good' in its last inspection in January 2015.

Staff at Red Hall Primary have been told to improve pupils' writing skills; for the attendance of disadvantaged pupils to be boosted and for the outdoor learning area for early years to be refurbished.

The school's headteacher, Helen Tomlinson, however was praised for making a 'real difference' since taking the helm at the Zoar Street school in January this year.

The school was described as 'friendly and welcoming' and the provision for children with special education needs and disabilities was praised. Planning in maths and PE was also said to be better than in other subjects.

Helen Tomlinson, headteacher of Red Hall Primary said: “We’re really pleased that the report recognises the changes we’ve made and the improvements already taking effect as we continue on our trajectory from our last inspection.

“Ofsted praised our PE provision and noted a particular strength in maths. They also recognised the marked difference we’ve made in such a short time with both a change in leadership and through developing the skills and knowledge of our governors.

“However the most important thing is our children and how they feel in school and the progress they are able to make accordingly. Inspectors praised us for our friendly and welcoming environment where our children feel safe and settled. We are ambitious for the future and will continue to build on our positive progress to make Red Hall School the best it can possibly be.”