Failing primary school faces closure threat

A school at the centre of a discipline crisis last year has been officially declared "failing" by Government inspectors. Unless standards improve, that leaves Manton Junior School, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, at risk of being taken over by a hit-squad - and, possibly, eventually closed. Governors and the head teacher at the school have already been criticised for weak leadership by the LEA.

Now Ofsted inspectors have also condemned the quality of teaching. Nottinghamshire officials went into the school after an eight-day teachers' strike by staff who refused to teach 10-year-old Matthew Wilson, claiming he was a threat to their safety and that of other pupils.