The headteacher of a failing primary school has been suspended because of weak management and leadership skills, it has emerged.

A letter has been sent to parents of Doggetts Primary and Nursery School to inform them Mark Waudby has been suspended from his post with immediate effect.

Essex County Council is now set to carry out an investigation into his ability to provide the leadership and management the school needs.

Doggetts, in The Boulevard, Rochford, was inspected by Ofsted last November and was put on special measures in January.

The Ofsted report concluded the "weaknesses clearly outweighed the strengths". It said there was a high level of unsatisfactory teaching and underachievement in a significant minority of pupils.

The school, which has just over 200 pupils, was given 40 days to put in place an action plan to improve. Mr Waudby, 45, arrived at the school in September 1994.

Arrangements are now being made for an experienced headteacher to work with the school. The appointment is due to be announced shortly, although it has yet to be agreed with the governors of their current school. A county council school advisor is working with the school two days a week.

An education spokesman said: "This is purely a professional matter concerning a lack of progress being made at the school. There is no question of any children being involved."

Since the school has been on special measures it has been regularly reviewed by Ofsted.

A team of inspectors is to visit the school this week. The spokesman added: "If a school is put on special measures there is the expectation that it will improve in no more than two years. We believe progress has been made at the school but the area of weakness appears to be management and leadership."

Chairman of governors Jean Craven said it was now essential for the school to be taken off special measures as soon as possible.

By Keily Oakes

Reporter's e-mail: keily.oakes@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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