A primary school has been placed in special measures after a damning Ofsted report criticised its "weak" teaching and "inadequate" leadership - despite it being judged good only last year.

Inspectors said there had been a sharp decline in standards at Snaresbrook Primary School, in Meadow Walk, South Woodford, and that urgent improvements were needed.  

Snaresbrook was rated inadequate in every category of the Ofsted report, including in the levels of achievement and progress made by pupils.

The education watchdog said "silly" behaviour was widespread, while some children had very poor attendance.

The school's plans for improving were found to be lacking and the governors were also criticised for failing to scrutinise the headteacher and his staff.

The report marks a dramatic decline for what has generally been considered to be a good school over the last decade.

The last full Ofsted inspection of Snaresbrook in April 2009, and the first under current headteacher John Snow, found it to be good.

And a check-up visit in March last year concluded that standard had continued.

However the report, published today, reveals that Redbridge Council had begun to grow worried about the school in the months leading up to this latest inspection, which took place in June.

Ofsted says that the council put the school on a 'category of concern' list and that the authority had been giving management additional support.

 In addition, a new deputy headteacher was appointed in September but inspectors said it was too early to tell what impact they had made, other than "quickly identifying weaknesses".

The report said: "Pupils make inadequate progress because teaching and leadership are inadequate.

"Leaders have not brought about improvements in teaching or achievement since the previous inspection.

"Their judgements about teaching are generous."

It added: "No pupil reached the highest level for 11-year-olds in 2012 National Curriculum tests in English or mathematics, despite most pupils entering the school with skills and abilities above those typical of their age.

"This is because teaching does not provide well enough for the more-able pupils and teachers’ expectations are not high enough.

"Targets for pupils’ progress are set so low that even if they are successfully met, pupils’ progress would still be inadequate."

However inspectors noted that Snaresbrook "has a welcoming, family feel", with pupils feeling happy and safe.  Its sensory room was also praised.

No-one at the school was available for comment but it is thought Redbridge Council may issue a statement on the school's behalf.