Inspectors have criticised playtime at Angel Road Junior School for being 'too boisterous', as they decided the school requires improvement for the second time in three years.

Ofsted officials cited the atmosphere in the playground at lunchtime as one of a series of factors in their decision, suggesting it could be addressed by providing more play equipment to the pupils.

Overall, the report found that pupil behaviour at the school was good, but highlighted weaknesses in management, and declining pupil outcomes.

Following the previous inspection in 2013, former headteacher Len Holman submitted a formal complaint against the schools inspectorate, who had cited a pupil wearing a glove in a lesson and another fiddling with a pencil as reasons why their behaviour required improvement.

While the complaint was upheld, the school's grading was not amended and a monitoring visit has since taken place. Current head teacher Chris Read said he was 'disappointed' with the latest report but pledged to bring standards up.

At the inspection the behaviour of pupils was generally praised, except for 'play'. 'On the few occasions when pupils misbehave, these are dealt with effectively,' inspectors said.

'Sometimes, pupils' play at lunchtimes is too boisterous. This is mostly when pupils are not given equipment to play with.'

Inspectors said the leadership team had 'not secured good teaching across the school', but the leaner governing body provided 'good support and challenge' for leaders.

'The teaching of music is a strength of the school,' they add. 'This is because the specialist music teacher not only has a very secure knowledge of her subject, but also because she has high expectations of all pupils.

'Teachers do not always have high enough expectations of what pupils can, and should, achieve and do not always insist on pupils producing high-quality work in each lesson.'

Mr Read said: 'While we are disappointed that we still require improvements we remain determined to build on our progress and establish ourselves as a good school.

'We are pleased that the report identifies the progress being made and the strengths in the school.

'We have been very open with parents about the challenges we face and are extremely grateful for their continued support and backing.'