PUPILS from a north west Ipswich primary are not reaching the standards for which they are capable, an Ofsted report said today.The report on Whitton Community primary school said, although pupils are making satisfactory progress over the last couple of years, it has not been adequate.

PUPILS from a north west Ipswich primary are not reaching the standards for which they are capable, an Ofsted report said today.

The report on Whitton Community primary school said, although pupils are making satisfactory progress over the last couple of years, it has not been adequate.

However, the school was praised for pupils' personal achievements stating they were culturally aware and had great respect for one another.

The report said: “Pupils really enjoy coming to school and this is reflected in their good attendance. “They talk with pride about one another's achievements

“Although their academic skills need to improve, the quality of pupils' social skills equips them well for future life in the world of work.”

The report also praised the school council for trying to improve the environment and raising money to buy more playground toys.

But it said children enter the school with low levels of attainment and do not reach what they are capable of.

It said: “They often start the school with poor language and personal development and make satisfactory progress with their basic literacy and numeracy.”

Ann Taylor, head of the school, in Shakespeare Road, said: “We recognise we have to raise our standards. There is need for improvement but this is already happening.

“Over the last two years we have had some challenging circumstances when it came to staffing levels but be are optimistic our improvements will continue.

“We are proud of our students for their positive attitude and believe we have made a happy and positive school for children to come to.”

N The Evening Star would like to know if parents of pupils at the school think the Ofsted report is fair? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk