THE HARSH Ofsted report that placed a first school into special measures has sparked outrage among parents.

Recently, Adderlane First School in Prudhoe was rated “inadequate” in an Ofsted report which described “weak teaching” and a “legacy of under-achievement”.

Subsequently, Northumberland County Council has pledged increased levels of support to hasten improvements.

But parents of pupils past and present have now come out fighting in support of their school.

Many took to social media to defend Adderlane, with numerous references to the fact that headteacher Emma Potts had only recently taken the role when the school was inspected.

Laura White wrote on the Hexham Courant’s Facebook page: “This school is being judged because of the past headteacher!

“Onwards and upwards.”

Many shared their positive experiences at the school, Mandy Henderson commented: “My child, who is now 16, attended this school.

“I was on the PTA and fully supported the school any way I could, it holds a very special place in my heart.

“What the teachers and every member of the school did for my child was always outstanding.

“...Maybe instead of people shouting and disrespecting the school, they could actually do something positive to help as it would be a tragedy if it were to close.”

Sam Gosling, whose children attend the school, added: “Mrs Potts is the best thing for the school, all the teachers are great with the children and approachable and stuff like this just makes me mad.”

Ward councillor for the West Wylam area Coun. Tony Reid said he had spoken to local parents who shared his confidence in the school’s future.

He said: “I believe that Adderlane has some issues it has to address and I’m quite confident that it will address them to have a prosperous future.

“I have utter confidence that Emma Potts will drive forward changes and overcome these problems.

“I know of schools throughout the North-East that have always had a good record, but inspections are more difficult than they’ve ever been and they’re being found short.

“I talk to teachers and some of them are a bit concerned about the new regime, but you have to just do your best and face up to the challenge.

“You have to accept that inspectors are trying to do their best to improve the school and make sure the children have a good education.

“If they find the school wanting you have to be realistic about it and do something.

“The school is a big part of the community and the parents I’ve spoken to have utter confidence in it.”

Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Coun. Robert Arckless, said: “School leaders are taking immediate action and we are giving increased levels of support to them to ensure that rapid and significant improvements can be made in the areas where the school has been found to be inadequate.

“All our children and young people deserve the best education possible and we are committed to working in partnership with school leaders and governors to raise standards and make sure that this is exactly what they receive.

“The local authority had challenged the school to do better before the inspection and will continue to take robust action where needed.”