A SMALL north Dorset school has been graded as Requires Improvement following a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

Senior staff at Durweston Primary School in Blandford have now been given advice on how to make things better.

A report, compiled following a two-day inspection in January, says there are inconsistencies and weaknesses in the quality of education.

It goes on to say that leaders have been too slow to identify weaknesses, especially in Key Stage 1. Leaders do not use or share information well, the curriculum is not well-planned to develop pupils' practical skills and the quality of teaching is too variable."

Lead inspector Stewart Gale added: "Pupils do not make strong progress to reach the standards of which they are capable, including the most able pupils."

He praised the new head teacher for raising staff morale and establishing a strong sense of community. He also said he behaviour of pupils is good and that the pre-school is well-led and managed.

The school has been given advice on how to improve teaching, learning and assessment and how to make achievement.

Durweston Primary has 134 pupils between the ages of four and 11.