A DUDLEY school with an exclusion rate that is around ten times the national average has been put into special measures.

Physical attacks on pupils, "below average" attendance and "widespread underachievement" are just some of the reasons that led Ofsted inspectors to brand Woodside Community School 'inadequate'.

Pupils' behaviour was a top concern, as inspectors found youngsters were disruptive in class and failed to do as they were told by staff.

Violent incidents that have seen pupils kicked in the head and stomach led inspectors to say the school's ability to keep youngsters "safe and secure" was inadequate.

The report praised staff for dealing with bullying "effectively" but said pupils from minority ethnic groups had told inspectors they were called racist names but - for reasons they would not share - had not told staff.

The school, which was rated as 'requires improvement' following its last inspection in May 2013, has now been criticised for "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education".

Curriculum requirements for mathematics are not being met in key stage two according to the report and work was not always accurately marked.

However the school's early years’ provision fared slightly better with inspectors, receiving a rating of 'requires improvement', with praise for the teaching of phonics and the quality of teaching at key stage one.

Headteacher Sally Bloomer said she was "extremely upset and disappointed" with the report and the outcome of the April inspection.

She continued: "We do not feel that the report is an entirely accurate picture of where our school is currently, and does not reflect the hard work that children, parents, staff and governors have put into this school over recent years.

“I would assure parents that the governing body has complete confidence in the leadership team of the school, to drive forward improvements and standards and will be supporting the school completely to improve our Ofsted rating as quickly as possible.”

Councillor Ian Cooper, cabinet member for children's services, added: "Improving education outcomes for children by strengthening partnerships with schools and increasing the percentage of children attending good or outstanding schools is a key priority for us here in Dudley.

"We are now carefully reviewing the details and recommendations contained within the Ofsted report.

"We will then determine what support and appropriate action we will take to support the school to bring about improvements for everyone.”