A NEW head teacher has been parachuted in to a primary school near Taunton after it was plunged into special measures following an inspection.

Nicki Bradford has been replaced as head teacher at Cheddon Fitzpaine Primary School by Spaxton School head Sally Evans, who becomes acting head teacher.

The move follows an Ofsted report earlier this year which ruled academic and teaching standards at the school are 'inadequate'.

Frances Nicholson, children's chief at Somerset County Council, said: “The council is providing intensive support to Cheddon Fitzpaine Primary School to make sure the school's performance improves and it moves swiftly out of special measures.”

The damning report came after a January inspection which called for improvement in pupil behaviour and the development of the school's governing body.

The report did praise the school for its progress in the reception class and Years 1 and 2. Inspectors also said pupils felt safe at the school.

Ms Evans said: “We accept the findings of our recent Ofsted inspection and we are going to work very hard to address our areas for development.

“I would like to reassure parents that we will continue to strive to give their children the best possible start in life.”