Education watchdogs have placed a primary school into special measures after an inspection found that pupils faced a risk of physical harm. Wayfield Primary School, part of The Primary First Trust, now faces intense scrutiny following a report that local observers have branded “shocking.”
The findings, published recently, detail a major breakdown in child safety and pupil discipline. Ofsted inspectors concluded that the school failed in its legal duty to keep children safe. The report claims that leaders did not make the safety of pupils a priority. This neglect allowed a culture to develop that left many children feeling unprotected.
Physical danger and behaviour failures
The investigation looked closely at how the school manages pupil behaviour. Inspectors found that “normal discipline” has effectively vanished in parts of the building. This lack of order led to several instances where staff members lost control of pupils. In the most serious cases, these incidents resulted in children facing a direct risk of physical harm.
During the visit, pupils told the inspection team that they often felt worried because of the actions of their peers. These students said they lacked confidence in the ability of staff to intervene effectively.
The concerns extend to the staff as well. Several employees told the watchdog that they did not feel safe at work. These staff members claimed that senior leaders had ignored repeated warnings about poor behaviour and the lack of safety in classrooms.
Decline in academic standards
Wayfield previously held a “good” rating, but this latest assessment reveals a massive fall in standards. Academic performance has suffered what inspectors described as a catastrophic blow. Data shows that only 40% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. This figure represents a major gap when compared to the national average of 61%.
Ofsted blamed this downward trend on low expectations from teachers. They also highlighted a curriculum that lacked the necessary depth to help children succeed. The report stated that the quality of education for the 424 pupils currently enrolled requires urgent improvement.
School Performance Data (2024 Cycle)
| Category | Wayfield Primary | National Average |
| Reading, Writing & Maths (Expected) | 40% | 61% |
| Pupils Meeting Expected Standards | 34.1 / 100 (Score) | 61.0 / 100 (Avg) |
| Parental Recommendation Rate | 38% | 85% (Avg) |
Failures in leadership and oversight
At the time of the inspection, the headteacher stood as the only senior leader in post. The watchdog argued that this arrangement was never sustainable. It contributed directly to the school’s inability to stop the decline in standards. While the report acknowledged the headteacher’s hard work, it concluded that one person cannot manage the scale of the changes needed alone.
The Primary First Trust also faced criticism for a lack of oversight. Inspectors found that the trust did not check the school’s internal systems with enough rigour. They also pointed out that the trust failed to challenge a decline in standards that actually began back in 2022. This lack of intervention allowed the current crisis to develop.
Impact on the local community
The publication of these findings has triggered a major loss of confidence among Chatham families. A survey of parents found that 62% would no longer recommend the school to others. Only a small minority of families now strongly agree that their children remain safe while on the school premises.
In response to the crisis, The Primary First Trust has acknowledged that significant weaknesses exist. A spokesperson confirmed that they are now following an urgent improvement plan. This strategy involves bringing in a fresh team of senior leaders to support the headteacher. It also includes intensive training for staff on how to manage behaviour safely.
Trust response and recovery plan
The Primary First Trust has acknowledged the “significant weaknesses” identified in the report and confirmed that an urgent recovery plan is now in effect. A spokesperson for the Trust stated that the safety of pupils remains their absolute priority and that they are taking immediate steps to overhaul safeguarding protocols.
The Trust’s intervention strategy includes the recruitment of a new senior leadership team to support the current headteacher. Furthermore, all staff members are undergoing intensive training sessions focused on safe behaviour management and legal safeguarding duties. The Trust has committed to working closely with Ofsted during the 2026 monitoring cycle to ensure the school meets all required safety and academic standards.
