A school has been rated 'inadequate' by the school's watchdog Ofsted, which has recommended it is put into special measures to improve results.

Weald Junior School, in Robin Hood Drive, Harrow Weald, was found to inadequate in three out of four key markers by Ofsted in a report published today, after previously bening rated ‘good’ in 2012.

In the report, inspectors said: “Achievement is inadequate. Pupils’ attainment is low at the end of Year 6, especially in reading and writing.

“Inadequate teaching means that pupils make slow progress over time. Basic literacy skills such as spelling, grammar and punctuation are not taught well enough to enable pupils’ writing to improve quickly."

The report added: “The headteacher and other leaders have not been successful in helping the school to improve.

“They do not have a clear picture of the main priorities because their systems for checking the quality of teaching and pupils’ progress are not thorough or accurate enough.”

The inspectors did find areas of strength in the school, such as pupils enjoying their environment and pupils with English as an additional language make good progress in learning to speak English.

Since the inspection in March, interim headteacher Margaret Bainbridge has joined the school alongside a new executive headteacher, Darren Aisthorpe.

The school says it will work with Harrow Borough Council and the governing body to act on the key recommendations in the inspectors report.

These include strengthening the leadership in the school, improving the achievement and behaviour of pupils, and improving the quality of teaching.

Mr Aisthorpe said: “We are acting swiftly and strongly to address all of Ofsted’s recommendations in full.

“I am already confident that the school is moving forward and I am here to support Weald Juniors with additional strategy and advice.”

Mrs Bainbridge said: “From the work we have already undertaken this term, we have a clear picture of what we must do to raise standards and the achievement of all pupils.”