By Anna Edwards

anna.edwards@essnmedia.co.uk

Parents have come out in overwhelming support of their school after it dropped a grade in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Benson Primary, in West Way, Shirley, has fallen from a grade two "good" rating to grade three "satisfactory" after being inspected last month.

But mums and dads have praised the school and called the drop "strange" as they have seen no changes in the school's standards.

Mum-of-three, Michelle Dinnal, who has two children at Benson Primary, hopes the report won't prove detrimental to the school's future.

"I think these reports sometimes focus on ticking boxes," she said.

"I think it's a lovely school, the attitude is just right, and some of the teachers are exceptional.

"These reports are powerful tools, I hope parents don't get the wrong impression from this inspection or take their children out.

"When you look at the last report and the most recent there's not a lot of difference between them, so I can't understand why they've given it a lower rating - I'm disappointed."

Ofsted recently applied tougher rules to its grading system, and Benson Primary is not alone in dropping a grade recently.

Mum Catherine Potter, whose son Ryan is in Year 6, says the school constantly encourages its pupils to fulfil their potential.

She said: "My son is very bright but he began to lose concentration and the teachers were so quick to focus on his needs and help him do the best he could.

"I know other parents think it's odd the inspectors have marked it down. We all support the school, it's very friendly and caring."

The report praised pupils for their good behaviour, friendliness and consideration, and said teachers had a good relationship with their classes.

But it described the children's achievement as satisfactory, and criticised staff for sometimes failing to properly challenge the students.

It also recommended better methods of monitoring teaching.

Sarah Lineker says her son has always enjoyed his lessons and thinks the school's standards are still high.

She said: "Nothing's changed, so I don't think it should have slipped a grade.

"All of my son's teachers have been excellent, and the atmosphere is very welcoming.

"This report won't change my mind about how good Benson is."

Headteacher Evelyn Armstrong refused to talk in person about the inspection and would only answer questions by e-mail.

But she said: "Under the new inspection framework schools may find it more challenging to be graded good or better.

"We continue to be an improving school, striving towards positive outcomes for all our children."