Teaching standards at a primary school have declined, with children not making enough progress in reading, writing and mathematics.

Morda C of E Primary School has been given a “requires improvement” grade by Ofsted following an inspection last month.

Inspectors said standards have dropped since its last full inspection four years ago and an interim inspection last year.

But John Eglin, headteacher, said he has plans in place to improve the school at “dramatic pace” and hailed the work of his teachers.

Jo Evans, lead inspector, said the school, which has 153 pupils, does not spend enough time on helping lower achievers.

She said: “Since the last inspection, there has been a decline in the school’s overall effectiveness.

“In parts of the school and in a variety of subjects, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is not good enough.

“Recently, leaders have introduced a range of appropriate initiatives to improve the quality of teaching, particularly in English and mathematics.

“However, these strategies are not yet embedded well enough throughout the school.  

“Teachers, other than in the early years and Year 6, do not take enough account of what pupils already know and have low expectations of what they can achieve.

“Consequently, they do not plan activities to ensure that pupils make consistently good progress.”

She added: “Although improving, disadvantaged pupils do not make enough progress in reading, writing and mathematics to reach the standards of which they are capable.

“The teaching of phonics, other than in the early years, is not consistently good.

“Time is not always used effectively to ensure that lower attaining pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have a secure understanding of letters and the sounds they make.  

“Across the curriculum, some subjects, including science and humanities, are not planned in a logical sequence.

“This means that pupils do not build their subject-specific knowledge and skills in order to gain a deep understanding of what they are learning.”

But she did add that pupils are “polite, kind and respectful” and that the headteacher “ensures that pupils’ personal development and welfare is a high priority.”

She added: ”As a result, pupils are happy to come to school, where they feel safe and well cared for.”

Mr Eglin said: “Morda is a happy, safe school where children are cared for brilliantly.

“Our fantastic teachers have been working so hard and the inspectors praised the work we have put in place to improve the school since the last inspection in November, and before that.

“The pace of work is dramatic and we are confident that Morda will regain its good status quickly.”

Karen Bradshaw, director of children’s services with Shropshire Council, added: “Shropshire Council wants our children to receive the best possible education. We’re pleased that the headteacher, staff and governors, have already begun work to address the priorities for improvements in the Ofsted report and will continue to support the school to ensure that pupils have consistently good opportunities to learn and to fulfil their potential.”