Children in a Whitehaven school are receiving an inadequate education, according to Ofsted inspectors.

Leadership, governance, teaching and pupil behaviour were all criticised in the Hensingham Community Primary School report.

The report said: "Leaders at all levels have failed to prevent a significant decline in pupils' progress and attainment since the previous report. Pupils do not receive an adequate level of education."

In December 2014 the school was considered "good" by Ofsted.

The latest inspection, on February 5 and 6 this year, presented a different picture.

In summary the report said pupils did not make the progress they should and leaders' and teachers' expectations were too low.

Teaching was inadequate the report said: "Teachers do not plan learning that matches pupils' needs. This impedes pupils' progress, particularly for the more able pupils."

Teachers in early years did not have a "secure" understanding of how younger children learn. so "too few" children are prepared for their learning in Year 1.

Pupil behaviour was also deemed inadequate: "Some pupils' behaviour disrupts the learning of others because staff do not manage pupils' behaviour well.

"Pupils' attendance, especially that of disadvantaged children, is low and not improving."

Governance was inadequate because: "Their efforts to challenge leaders are undermined because the head teacher does not provide them with clear information about pupils' progress.

"Leaders and governors have not addressed weaknesses in the quality of teaching."

Inspectors did find some strengths in the school relating to the safeguarding of pupils and vulnerable children in particular.

School leaders have expressed their disappointment in the report.

In a joint statement headteacher Nick Hepburn-Fish and chairman of Governors Paul Smith said: "Staff and governors are extremely disappointed with this outcome.

"While recognising there are issues we have to address, we do not believe the report’s finding are a fair reflection of our school. We have already begun implementing an improvement plan and are confident it is having an impact, but we need to increase the pace of improvement.

"However, because we have been put in to Special Measures, the school will now become an academy. This is government policy and we have no choice in the matter. This is likely to mean changes at the school but currently we do not have any further detail.

"Everyone working at Hensingham, and all of our governors, are determined to continue making further improvements to ensure that our children receive the highest level of education possible."