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Primary schools struggle with computers

In general, standards in primary schools are improving, says a new report. But it highlights weaknesses in how information technology is taught and inadequate leadership from headteachers.

In a review of four years of primary school inspections, 1994-98, Ofsted has reported better general teaching leading to better results - with particular improvements in English.

However about 3% of England's 18,000 state primary schools have been found to be "failing" by the schools inspectorate, with another 8% displaying "serious weaknesses".

"Failing" headteachers were also cited as a problem, with the Chief Inspector for Schools in England, Chris Woodhead, claiming that over 2,000 headteachers were not providing an adequate level of leadership.

"We cannot tolerate a situation in which one in eight headteachers are failing to lead their schools effectively," said Mr Woodhead.

While striking a positive note, the report highlights that one in ten pupils leave primary school without "basic skills of literacy and numeracy and is ill-equipped to meet the demands of the secondary curriculum".

While welcoming improvements of 15% in test results for English and maths in the past four years, the schools watchdog indicates that the rate of improvement is still too slow to meet government targets set for 2002.

In response, the School Standards Minister, Estelle Morris, has said that initiatives such as the literacy hour would hasten improvements in achievement.

Net fears

Ofsted also reports variations in the quality of teaching in different subject areas. The most serious concern is over the teaching of information technology, which was found to be in need of better equipment and more extensive training.

This is particularly worrying as the government has put great emphasis on connecting schools to the National Grid For Learning - an Internet-based network of online education projects.

The report highlights the importance of strong and effective leadership and the negative impact of inadequate headteachers. While accusing one in eight headteachers of "failing", the report says that good headteachers can make an immediate difference to behaviour and attendance.

The National Union of Teachers claimed that Mr Woodhead's comment about failing headteachers was in contravention of the Education Select Committee's demands that he should not make unsubstantiated claims.

"The chief inspector cannot resist making general assertions and criticisms without any clear evidence," said the union's general secretary, Doug McAvoy.

• Accompanying the report is a list of schools which have been identified by inspectors as examples of good practice.

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National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers
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