Inspectors have ruled that Luton Infant School requires improvement in all categories.

The school slipped from the good rating given in its previous inspection with improvements needed in teaching to raise standards in reading, writing and mathematics highlighted.

It was told to improve in all four categories – achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

The report stated: “Children entered the school with skills and abilities that are significantly below the levels expected for their age, particularly in communication and language skills and in their social development.

“Pupils who start school with very little English are well supported to ensure that their English language skills improve.

“Those who join make good gains, but their attainments is one and a half terms behind that of their peers in mathematics and two terms behind in reading and writing at the end of key stage 1.

“This is a disappointing report" - Cllr Mike O'Brien

Some teaching assistants were new and untrained, too many pupils did not attend regularly or get to school on time and a lower than average number achieve than higher National Curiculum levels,

Among its strengths were children in Reception settling quickly and learning well and examples of good and outstanding teaching.

The education regulators observed 23 lessons, met staff, attended assembly and visited the school’s breakfast club.

The school in Alexandra Road, which has 297 pupils, will receive another inspection within 24 months.

Cllr Mike O’Brien, who is in charge of schools for Medway Council said: “This is a disappointing report as there are examples of good and outstanding teaching going on Luton Infant School.

“School leaders have identified what needs to be done to improve and they will be working hard to achieve a ‘good’, as they have in the past, at their next inspection.”

Cllr Kelly Tolhurst, whose is in charge of educational improvement, added: “The school will now work longside Ofsted to make the changes necessary to achieve a ‘good’ under the new, tougher framework.”