A SCHOOL has been told for the second time in two years that it requires improvement.

Ofsted inspectors have just delivered the verdict on Harden Primary, following a visit last month.

The two-strong inspection team – led by Jim McGrath – described the quality of teaching as "variable", which they said meant pupils across key stages one and two were not making consistently good progress in writing and mathematics.

Most-able youngsters were insufficiently challenged by the work set for them, it added.

Senior and subject leaders were not swift enough in overcoming inconsistencies in teaching quality and they, managers and governors had failed to ensure that all areas identified for improvement following the last inspection had been successfully addressed.

The report – published late last week – also notes that significant changes have taken place in governance and staffing at the 204-pupil school and there was a period when the safeguarding policy didn't meet requirements, although that has recently been updated.

But the inspectors praise the pupils and have rated personal development, behaviour and welfare – and early years provision – as good.

The children are confident and polite and treat one another and adults with respect.

They said they enjoyed school and felt safe.

Some parents raised concerns with Ofsted, particularly regarding safeguarding and a non-compliance with policies for dealing with complaints.

One parent also told the Keighley News: "It is very disappointing that Harden is a school that requires improvement for a second time.

"Given the fact that the children are a strength of the school, they have been let down by the headteacher and governors."

And another commented: "Senior leadership have caused many issues by poor management of key elements of the children's wellbeing and education.

"Communication and the ability to work with families accessing the school need to be improved drastically to ensure these issues are resolved successfully."

But inspectors said that overall, the majority of parents responding to an Ofsted questionnaire felt the Long Lane school was well led and managed.

And the school itself says it has received tribute comments from a number of parents.

Headteacher Mrs Kirsty Hutchinson said the 'requires improvement' grading was "very disappointing" and that the school had lodged a formal complaint and appeal.

In a letter sent to parents, co-written with chairman of the governors Mrs Sue Bottomley, she said: "We have worked tirelessly since our last inspection to rapidly improve the quality of teaching and learning, as well as other aspects of school life, and we feel the outcome does not reflect the position of our school."

She added that external partners had assessed the school as good with many outstanding features.

And she said Department for Education representatives had also visited the school last month, and were pleased with its progress.