STANHOPE Primary School has been placed in special measures after failing every aspect of its latest Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors found teaching, pupils' achievement, behaviour and leadership at the school all inadequate - the lowest possible rating - following a two-day inspection in May.

Councillor Patricia Walker, Ealing Councils schools chief, said the authority had already identified problems at the school and was working with headteacher David McLeod to make vital improvements.

A report, published last week, highlighted key problem areas:

* Pupils progress is too slow and inconsistent, particularly in maths and reading

* Pupils take longer than expected to become fluent readers

* Teaching is too variable and inadequate, with ineffective action from school leaders

* Teachers fail to maintain a calm, well-ordered classroom

Although Mr McLeod, who joined the school in January last year, eradicated several key areas of weaknesses, inspectors felt other senior staff and an ineffective governing body restricted further improvements.

The school, in Mansell Road, Greenford, is a larger than average primary with 616 pupils. Children eligible for free school meals is above average and more than three quarters of pupils speak English as a second language.

It is the third school in the borough to fail an inspection in the last year. Northolt High School and Wood End Infant School, also in Northolt, are being monitored by Ofsted - both are now making good progress.

Mr McLeod declined to speak to the Gazette.

But former chair of governors, Councillor Eileen Harris, who stepped down last month due to an illness, said: At Northolt High they swooped out the headteacher and the governors. Here they havent. 

"They can see that David is slowly turning things around. Weve spent a lot of time trying to improve things. David is working hard.

One parent of a seven-year-old, who asked not to be named, said: Im very lucky my daughter is very bright, I do think shes being held back. I have concerns about some of the teaching. 

"Its full of supply teachers and some of the teaching is terrible.

I dont have the option but Id love to take her out of that school if I could.

Denise Maloney is the new chair of governors following a shake up of the senior management team. And the school has now been linked to outstanding Wellington Primary School in Hounslow.

Mrs Walker said staff had the council's full support and she had confidence in the headteacher and governors to turn the school around.

She added: As upsetting as I know this is for the pupils, parents and the school community, they can be reassured that all the necessary arrangements are now in place to ensure swift and sustained improvement at the school.

Ofsted will visit the school several times over the next year. It aims to leave special measures by autumn 2013.