Failing Sheffield primary taking 'effective action' to improve standards

But Oasis Academy Fir Vale, in Burngreave, has been told not to appoint any newly qualified teachers by education watchdog Ofsted.

The school, off Owler Lane, Fir Vale, opened in September 2014 as part of the national Oasis Community Learning trust - but it has already had three different principals.

It was labelled as inadequate in each of the five inspection categories following a visit by inspectors in January 2016.

Ofsted identified numerous problems and areas for improvement, from teaching and pupil attainment to behaviour and incidents of racism among some pupils. However, inspectors did commend the new principal, Helen Round, for beginning to turn things round.

An inspector visited the school again in January to check on progress.

A letter to Mrs Round said: "Leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.

"Having considered all the evidence I strongly recommend that the school does not seek to appoint newly qualified teachers."

It added: "The principal and deputy-principal provide strong leadership. They have a clear vision through which they drive improvements across the school.

"Continued professional development for the increasingly stable staff team is beginning to impact positively on the quality of teaching.

"Leaders have now created pockets of strong teaching, learning and assessment which are helping to raise expectations across the key stages.

It also said teaching and the behaviour of pupils is continuing to improve, but warned attainment across the school remains well below that seen by other pupils nationally.