AN INDEPENDENT Whitchurch school has said it is "disappointed" after Ofsted inspectors branded it inadequate in its latest inspection.

The White House School, a private school for pupils aged three to 11, was inspected in early November, with the report published on January 14.

The inspectors said the school is a place where pupils "enjoy coming", and said that bullying is dealt with quickly, but overall dealt an inadequate rating.

The Ofsted report reads: "In some classes, pupils are frequently requested to stop speaking, when they are in fact talking about their learning.

"This has a detrimental impact on their understanding and often interrupts productive discussion.

"In contrast, low level disruption is not managed quickly enough."

There was also criticism over the learning provision to pupils who were struggling in school.

And the inspectors also warned the school curriculum was not "well planned or ordered".

"This means that learning does not build on what the pupils know and are able to do," the report added.

Criticism was also levelled at headteacher and proprietor Helen Clarke, with inspectors saying the number of roles she carries makes it difficult for her to set a clear strategy for the school.

"The strategic vision and direction of the school are set by the headteacher alone," the inspector said.

"She is aware of weaknesses in the school, but lacks the capacity to make improvements.

"This is because she holds multiple roles within the school that take up a considerable amount of her time."

This inadequate rating comes after the school received good reports from inspectors at its three previous inspections.

Ms Clarke said: "It is obviously extremely disappointing for everybody in our school community that the outcome of our recent inspection has produced this judgement.

"The inspectors, nevertheless, noted positive elements within the school and recognised that the school is a happy place. They said that The White House is a small, friendly school where pupils feel safe, enjoy coming to school and have positive friendships.

"We are appreciative of the support that has come from many of our parents, who have stated how highly they regard the school, the staff and its caring learning environment."

She added: "Members of staff feel frustrated that the report does not reflect the school’s wonderful spirit, ethos and many strengths.

"It cannot be denied, however, that recent stresses put upon staffing and time management, coupled with the financial blow that the school took due to Covid, have had a large bearing on the inspection grading, especially under the new, demanding inspection framework.

"The White House School, however, is taking the issues raised by Ofsted seriously and is working to address them."