Teachers praised errors as correct, Ofsted finds

Teachers at a school have been criticised by the watchdog Ofsted for praising children's errors as correct.

All Saints' school in Cockermouth, Cumbria, was judged inadequate for the quality of its education, leadership and early years provision.

However behaviour and personal development were rated good and inspectors said pupils enjoyed going to school.

Headteacher Nicola Smallwood said she was disappointed with the result of the inspection and the school was working to "rapidly improve the areas highlighted".

Inspectors said the governing body had not held the school to account for the "decline in the quality of education" and the school had been too slow to secure "much-needed improvements".

The report by Ofsted said: "Gaps and misconceptions in pupils' work are not addressed effectively.

"For example, the errors that some pupils make in their written work are praised by staff as being correct."

However, the report said the school "accurately identifies the additional needs of pupils with SEND" and children who need help managing their behaviour or attendance were well-supported.

Mrs Smallwood said the school, which has about 190 pupils and a specially resourced provision for a small number of children with autism, was grateful to parents for their "unwavering support".

She said: "We look forward to the opportunity of being inspected again so that we can return to a judgement that reflects the ongoing good work of the school."

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