MINEHEAD First School has been rated “inadequate” by Ofsted and is being placed in special measures.

An inspection report released on Monday rated the school inadequate in its overall effectiveness and in four of five categories – effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for pupils.

The fifth, early years provision “requires improvement”.

Head teacher Adam Evans, who took up the post just 48 hours before the inspection in April, said: “Obviously the school is disappointed with the outcome of the inspection.

“But our focus now needs to be on rapid improvement of the school, ensuring that the children of Minehead First School receive the high quality education that they deserve, in a safe environment where all children are supported to reach their potential.”

The school has been part of West Somerset Academies Trust since 2016 and Paul Rushforth, the trust’s chief executive officer, said it had made the decision in November last year to put a new head into the school.

Mr Evans, who is also head of Minehead Middle School, another of the trust’s seven schools, was “very successful and knows a good deal about improvement and change,” Mr Rushforth said.

He confirmed that former head Keith Mansell was currently on leave and the school was in discussions with him.

“We recognised the issues in the school and already had a plan in place to tackle them when the inspection took place,” said Mr Rushforth.

“The inspection provides further impetus to ensure that rapid and sustained improvement occurs.

“I am certain that parents will have already noticed the renewed sense of ambition in the school.”

For the full report, buy today’s Free Press (June 14).