Children at a primary school have complained of homophobic bullying, fighting and fears for their own safety to Ofsted inspectors.

 

The damning report on Havercroft Junior and Infants spoke of pupils not feeling safe at school and of weak teaching, lack of leadership and poor attendance.

 

The school, which went into special measures - Ofsted's lowest grade of failing schools - last March, was inspected in December and the report published last week.

 

In it it states: "Pupils told the inspector they do not always feel safe in school.

 

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"Pupils report homophobic bullying has continued. An anti-bullying week took place but this had little impact.

 

"Pupils also report that fighting is becoming more frequent and the inspector observed incidents of this on the playground."

 

One pupil is quoted as saying: "We need a tougher system to make behaviour better."

 

Weaknesses in teaching was blamed for pupils' lack of achievement.

 

The report revealed about 80 per cent of key stage two pupils did not make expected progress in maths and one third of pupils went backwards in reading and writing.

 

Pupils are also said to be 'hindered' by staff absence.

 

Eleven members of staff, including the headteacher, deputy head, three teachers and five teaching assistants are all on long term absence, with the deputy head reported to have resigned.

 

"Due to staff absence there is lack of leadership at all levels. This means there is no clear focus for the school on how to move forward and make the necessary changes to improve."

 

Sue Johnson, for Wakefield Council, which the school comes under, said: "We are disappointed in the findings of the Ofsted report.

 

"The Local Authority is continuing to work urgently with the school to address the issues highlighted."