Staff recruitment problem for failing school

A failing school is struggling to recruit staff and governors after being put into 'special measures' by Ofsted.

The chair of governors and a number of teachers resigned from St Luke's School in Maidenhead after a March inspection highlighted problems across the board.

The Cookham Road primary has even had to request special dispensation from HM Inspectorate of Education to employ two newly qualified teachers, after failing to attract experienced staff.

Two new teachers are still required before the start of term in September.

The Royal Borough's education and childcare advisory service has also had to nominate an officer to step in to the role of chair of governors until a successor can be found.

The school has been given two years to turn its self around or it could be closed by the Department of Education.

According to a council document, headteacher Amanda Hough has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to bring teaching to a level where 90 per cent is 'good or better' by the end of the year.