The headteacher and chairman of governors of Clore Shalom primary in Shenley, Hertfordshire, have said they were disappointed after inspectors downgraded it from a good school to one which "requires improvement".

It is the second time within a week that a state-aided Jewish primary has received a critical report following the demotion of Rosh Pinah in Edgware to inadequate.

In a letter to Clore Shalom parents, headteacher Sheree Oxenham said that while she was"deeply disappointed" by the verdict, inspectors had highlighted "positive areas of practice".

She believed that "our strong aspirational vision will be realised and that we can quickly turn this judgement around".

Inspectors said that the early years teaching at the 238-pupil cross-communal primary was "not effective enough" and did not "always challenge or engage children, particularly those of lower ability".

We do not believe that this report reflects the true character or quality of our school

Early years children were "not encouraged to tidy up after themselves after completing a task or activity. This means classrooms often appear untidy and disorganised. This prevents
children from developing concentration and pride in their work".

Teaching across the school varied, which had a "negative impact on the progress children make from class to class".

While children achieved well in maths, they did not make enough progress in a number of other subjects, Ofsted found.

"When marking pupils' work, teachers rarely provide helpful advice to pupils about how to improve and move on in their learning."

Inspectors also noted that information provided to governors on the quality of teaching was "more positive than what was observed during this inspection".

Provision for social, cultural, moral and spiritual development was a "strength", while pupils were taught to be respectful of people of other faiths and beliefs.

In a separate letter, Clore Shalom chairman Simon Ezequiel said: "Whilst we do not believe that this report reflects the true character or quality of our school, the governing body does accept the inspector's opinion and are now working closely with the school leadership team to implement the recommendations, many of which had already been identified within the School Improvement Plan."

Parents have been invited to attend a meeting at the school on April 20.