A PORTISHEAD school has moved swiftly to step up the delivery of maths lessons after an Ofsted report deemed them in need of improvement.

Inspectors visiting St Joseph’s Primary School last month reported that when it comes to maths, there is a need for improvement of leadership and management, quality of teaching and pupil achievement.

While students were reported to be making good progress in English with many achieving high standards, the concerns over key stage two maths has resulted in the overall effectiveness of the school being judged as in need of improvement.

The report acknowledges the maths curriculum at the school has recently been revised and there have been improvements to the quality of maths teaching, both of which have already had positive results for pupils, but it says there is not yet long term evidence to show that slow progress has been effectively speeded up.

The school says it is now looking to secure a long-term plan to ensure higher standards are maintained.

Helen McNab, chairman of the governors, said: “This is a disappointing result for staff and governors, who are concerned about it.

“The issue with maths has obviously influenced the inspector and the inspection judgement is that the school requires improvement. This overshadows an otherwise good report that highlights some great work being done here.

“A meeting has been arranged for the beginning of next term to advise parents how the school intends to move forward.”

The school’s strengths highlighted in the report include providing a safe and caring environment, the nurturing of spiritual, moral and cultural development, well-behaved pupils and a thorough approach to self-evaluation.