MOVES were already in hand to address shortfalls at Pewsey Vale School outlined before an OFSTED inspection took place said headteacher Richard Butler.

The report following a visit in November by a 14 strong OFSTED team which revealed "serious weaknesses in a number of areas".

However the report is contradictory in a number of places and while saying the quality of teaching and learning is unsatisfactory says Pewsey Vale's GCSE results are above average.

In its opening remarks the report says: "The isolated nature of the school means there are few links into local, national or international initiatives."

However a later chapter states: "The school has productive links with the community especially with the adjacent youth centre and sports centre. It nurtures these links in order to enhance pupils' learning and personal development."

The report added: "The school's partnership with parents and its links with the community are good. Its links with other schools and colleges are limited and therefore, unsatisfactory."

The inspectors ignored major internal changes that have taken place over the last year to provide better facilities in many areas.

In their report they said that teaching of music and drama was unsatisfactory although during their visit they would have seen that a new music area has just been completed and a new drama area is being created.

Teaching in the core subjects of English and maths was reported as being good, along with strengths in design and technology, religious education, physical education and the provision for children with special needs.

The leadership of headteacher Mr Butler, who was appointed a year ago, was reported as good although generally, said the inspectors, leadership and management at the school was unsatisfactory.

One of the priorities for Mr Butler who is an OFSTED inspector himself when he took over as head last January was to continue to act upon recommendations from the previous OFSTED report in 1999.

Mr Butler said: "I was disappointed with overall outcome of the inspection in that I think the OFSTED team adopted a half-empty rather than a half-full view and that full credit has not been given for the progress that the school is making.

"Already we have been able to broaden the curriculum for older students, make some impressive improvements in the learning environment and strengthen the staffing.

"I have a long term vision for the school and we are less than a year into it."