Buildwas Primary school near Telford faces closure threat

Buildwas Primary School was criticised by Ofsted in January but inspectors said progress has since been made

A primary school in Shropshire could close under plans being considered by Shropshire Council.

Buildwas Primary School, near Telford, was branded inadequate by Ofsted and placed in special measures in January.

Shropshire Council said falling pupil numbers were affecting the school's financial viability and its ability to secure effective leadership and sustainable improvement.

Acting head teacher Aileen MacMillan declined to comment.

Shropshire Council said only a half of eligible pupils in the catchment area currently attended the school.

'Inadequate progress'

Karen Bradshaw, Shropshire Council's director of children's services, said: "Our priority is to provide the best standard of education for all children across Shropshire.

"We have to give careful consideration to the longer term plans for securing effective and sustainable, high-quality provision for children in the Buildwas area."

Consultation is expected to take place in September and October and, if the plans are approved, the school would close in August 2016.

The school had 71 pupils on its roll when it received the damning report by Ofsted in January.

It said pupils were making inadequate progress in reading and writing and disabled provision was poor.

A subsequent report published last month said the school was making improvements.

Parents are expected to be told about the plans later.

Shropshire Council is due to discuss the proposals on 13 July.