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Walsall's Jane Lane School put in special measures after Ofsted report

A special school in Walsall has been put in special measures after being labelled ‘inadequate’ by the education watchdog.

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An aerial view of Jane Lane School in Walsall. Photo: Google

The Jane Lane School is failing to provide an ‘acceptable standard of education’ according to its latest Ofsted report.

The special school on Churchill Road caters for 143 pupils aged seven to 19.

The Ofsted report states: "Several pupils throughout the school have complex health needs.

"These health needs are set out in ‘pupil passports’, which are displayed in classrooms.

"In several instances, leaders were unaware of pupils’ acute health needs despite these being set out and displayed in classrooms.

"The school has not established any risk assessments to help staff identify and respond appropriately to any potential symptoms of concern.

"This places pupils at risk."

Records of any physical intervention were left incomplete, with several entries in the school's records not making it clear if a family member had been contacted – despite this being the school's policy.

'Steer a change in culture'

No-one from the school would comment on the report, but Councillor Chris Towe, Walsall Council’s portfolio holder for education and skills, said: “We recognise many of the weaknesses highlighted by Ofsted.

"Prior to the inspection, we had spoken to the school’s leadership team and governing body requiring them to take rapid action.

"The inspectors recognised this, as well as acknowledging the positive relationships the staff have with the students.

“I understand that parents will be concerned and will want to know what is planned to turn the school around.

"The local authority has already instigated the process of forming an Interim Executive Board to steer a change in culture at the school.

"We have also invited parents and carers to meetings at which senior officers will seek to explain the next steps and answer any other questions they may have.”

Anger

Zara Sands, whose 13-year-old son goes to the school, said: "It's shocking and appalling and I'm so livid.

"They can't do what the have done to our children and get away with this.

"The whole school has failed."

Gina Diva, whose 15-year-old son is also a student, added: "I thought it was going to be bad but not that bad.

"I can't believe the impact it's had on my child.

"He's really frustrated. He has a right as a child to have an education and that's been taken away from him.

"It's just disgusting. Nothing has been explained to us and it's frustrating. I absolutely loved that school but the trust has gone now."