Sutton's four to seven year olds are performing below the national average in the three Rs and there has been a "disappointing decline" across all subjects, inspectors have found.

These are the conclusions of education officers in an annual report on the achievement of Sutton schools.

Attainment at key stage one, which covers four to seven year olds, is singled out as needing most improvement.

The report said teachers, governors and other education staff have failed to act on recommendations made last year over problem areas relating to writing, maths and the attainment of specific pupil groups.

It said the recommendations formed part of the existing education development plan, stating "raising attainment will not happen overnight, but it is worrying that similar issues are being raised again."

Councillor Angela Baughan, the borough's education spokesman, said: "The key stage one results are disappointing and we will be working with the schools in the coming year to improve on them.

"It's perhaps because we've focused on improving key stage two so much this year.

"But we do get the children up to the required standard by key stage two, as our results show."

Locally set targets for seven to 11 year olds in English and maths were missed last year by seven and two per cent respectively.

But overall the report said there had been substantial improvements and "much to celebrate".

Coun Baughan added: "By having reports like these we highlight children that might have been missed before. By doing this we can identify where support is needed."

January 27, 2003 10:30