A county school has pledged to make improvements, after Ofsted inspectors rated it inadequate.

Following an inspection in September, Chesterton Primary School in Cirencester was placed into special measures.

Staff and governors at the school are now working closely with Gloucestershire County Council and the Regional Schools Commissioner to find an academy sponsor.

Although the process may take several months, plans for rapid improvements are already being put in place by the leadership at the school.

During the inspection, the report found that the school had the following strengths:

• Pupils feel safe and happy at school
• Pupils in the specialist centre for communication and interaction are taught well and make good progress
• Children in the nursery make a strong start to their education

The report also praised the new head teacher's positive impact on the school and that staff, parents and pupils felt the school is a more orderly environment since her arrival.

However, Ofsted identified the need for the school to make the following improvements:

• Improve the impact of leadership by ensuring the focus is on improving teaching and raising pupils' achievement
• Rapidly improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment
• Work to improve the attendance of pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds

In reaching their judgment, the inspectors acknowledged that the school had come through a disruptive and turbulent period with frequent and significant changes in senior leadership and support staff, as well as within the governing body.

Karen Venner, head teacher at Chesterton Primary School, said: "We're obviously disappointed in the outcome, however the report confirms my own assessment of what areas require improvement at Chesterton and I am committed to leading a programme of changes.

"With the support of our dedicated senior leadership team, governors and the local authority, we can make the rapid progress on the quality of teaching, learning and assessment that is needed."

David Lacey, chair of governors, said: "We know that the outcomes for our pupils are not where we want them to be yet, but we are making progress and we are fully committed to helping the children achieve their goals."

Jane Lloyd-Davies, head of education performance and intervention at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We will continue to give the school all the support they need throughout this process.

"We are working closely with the head teacher, staff and board of governors to make sure there is a clear plan in place. This will ensure the quality of teaching and, most importantly, the rate of pupil progress increases as soon as possible."