PARENTS fighting an Ofsted report that graded their children’s school as “inadequate” have managed to collect more than 400 signatures in a petition protesting against the verdict.

Mother-of-two Kerry O’Donnell took action after finding out that South View Infant School in Shooters Way was given a notice to improve by Ofsted education inspectors who observed lessons in March.

The report, written by inspector Beryl Richmond and published earlier this month, said the school was inadequate in achievement, attainment and attendance.

Although it said some pupils such as those with special educational needs (SEN) progressed well, others including the higher ability pupils did not.

Parents and staff are now fighting against the rating and say it does not reflect standards at the popular, oversubscribed school, which just three years ago achieved a ‘good’ Ofsted report.

Mrs O’Donnell, 29, said: “So many people have signed the petition – parents of children at the school and grandparents. They have been coming and asking how they can sign.

“Word has got around. Parents who have children in the junior school and even those who have children in The Vyne school who used to come here have signed. We are all really overwhelmed by it and want to thank everyone for their support.”

The petition will be sent to Ofsted this week, along with protest letters written by parents.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller has also said she will meet with head teacher Pat MacDougall who is contesting the report’s findings.

At the top of the signed sheets the petition says Ofsted unfairly scored South View Infant School on its performance for the year 2009/10.

It adds: “The report did not reflect the true efforts put in by teaching staff and the high standard of teaching and the commitment by staff to the pupils on each and every school day.

“We would like to see a fair report that reflects the individual care that each child receives. As parents we know that with South View, ‘Every Child Matters’.”

Zoe Butler, 35 from Forsythia Walk in Oakridge Village has one child at the school and said parents want the inspection to be carried out again.

She added: “The school has been great for my daughter and I don’t understand how this has happened. We want another inspection. That’s the only fair thing to do.”