A PRIMARY school that has had three headteachers in two years has been put on special measures by Ofsted.

Inspectors decided that Stewart Fleming Primary in Anerley needed support from the Government to help it improve.

The school, which already receives a high level of support from the council, received mostly ‘inadequate’ grade four ratings during the two day inspection in February.

It also found that the 267 pupils in the community school were not achieving to national standards as expected and did not feel safe in their school.

After noting a high staff turnover in recent years, inspectors also criticised teaching standards - especially when teaching reading skills.

In a letter to the pupils, lead inspector Richard Moody said: “The school is not yet as good as it should be for most of you. We have decided that some very important improvements and special support will be needed to help your school to improve quickly. You need more help to make faster progress.

“Too many of you are not doing well enough in your lessons. Teachers are working hard to make learning more challenging but there is still much more to do.”

Gillian Pearson, Director of Children and Young People Services, said: “The outcome of this inspection is disappointing. However it is pleasing to note the acknowledgement of the considerable progress made in recent months.”

Chair of Governors, Nick Beale, added “We will be working on the action plan to address each of the recommendations and are confident we can achieve the necessary improvement.”