PARENTS at a Warrington school slammed by education chiefs for poor standards say things are on the up.

Birchwood CE Primary School could be threatened with closure if standards don't improve over the next two years, but parents at the school say, with their backing, the situation will improve.

The school was placed in 'special measures' after an inspection by Government agency Ofsted meaning they have to come up with a plan of action to turn the establishment around.

But one mum, who herself attended the school the year it opened, said that 'it could be the best thing that has happened'.

Mrs Valentine, who has had four children at the school - with two still there, said: "I didn't realise that Ofsted had found any problems. I have never had any troubles with the school. But I do think that more parents should make an effort to find out to keep in touch with the school.

"At one point my son needed speech therapy but they completely sorted that, he has done so well and come on so much since he has been there.

"It not physically possible to close the school, there is nowhere else in this area. The school has already had meetings with parents and I felt the feedback was very positive. Everyone seemed very supportive. This could be the best thing that could have happened, hopefully, this will bring the community together a bit more.

"With all the parents behind the school it can't fail, it can only go from strength to strength."

The school was inspected in June this year and was placed into special measures mainly due to 'weaknesses caused by disruptions to teaching and learning'.

The report found that the effectiveness of the school, pupil's achievements and the monitoring of attendance, are 'unsatisfactory'.