I don't recognise these criticisms now, in September

Stephen Sharp, acting director of education

It was Torbay Council's first Ofsted inspection since becoming a unitary authority and taking over control of education three years ago.

The report said the authority lacked leadership and had no clear vision for education.

Inspectors found education was given a relatively low priority by councillors.

There was also criticism of the way places at secondary schools were allocated.

'Important message'

Stephen Sharp, the council's acting director of education, said he welcomed the report's praise for much of the council's work.

He said "Eighty-five percent of Ofsted's judgments are good or satisfactory.

"It's an important message to the people of Torbay that they can have confidence in our schools and the way they are supported."

He said criticisms of leadership and vision by councillors were based on "impressions the inspectors had back in May."

New strategy

The council's director of education was ill at the time and Mr Sharp did not arrive to stand in for him until June.

"I don't recognise these criticisms now, in September," he said.

"The important thing is the support that goes to schools and the quality of education children get, and that gives us a clean bill of health."

He said a strategy to address weaknesses should be ready by Christmas.