School inspectors have put a primary school failing to meet Government standards on special measures.

But John Buckley, the headteacher at Thameside Primary School, Cotman Close, Abingdon, is confident of turning things around - if parents rally round to help.

He said: "We need to be honest but positive.

"If I'm honest, a large part of our challenge is to get parents more involved.

"Parents need to have more of a role.

"They could do this by turning up to parents' evenings, being more involved with the school and taking an active interest in their children's learning. "They do recognise what has been done already to try to change the culture here."

Following the latest report, parents were called to a meeting. Only 25 attended.

Mr Buckley said: "I even offered a prize when I sent out the letter."

Thameside suffered a fall from 280 to 196 pupils after a critical report by Ofsted last year, which concluded the school had "serious weaknesses".

In June 1998, low standards in English, maths and science were identified.

Since then, the school has suffered a fall in numbers by a fifth, with spare places in the nursery. The latest inspection revealed the school is continuing to fall short of the mark, with attendance below national average.

Positive steps are already under way to reverse the situation. Five new teachers joined in September and family literacy and numeracy projects are under way.

The report recognises a dramatic improvement in Key Stage One test results.

Mr Buckley, who took over the school 18 months ago, said: "Obviously we need to make this kind of success visible across the board.

"We are determined to make a difference. I am confident that with hard work we will address most of the issues.

"But getting test results up to the national average will be a challenge which cannot be met overnight."

Story date: Saturday 11 December

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