A SCHOOL which described itself as "outstanding" was shocked to be placed in special measures by Ofsted.

Sabden Primary School was found to be inadequate by Government inspectors because pupils leave with lower achievement than when they start school.

Following a visit last month, Ofsted found "a steady decline in standards over the past four years" at the Whalley Road school, but its headteacher has spoken out in its defence, saying that the inspection was "narrow" and based on "bureaucratic" issues.

The watchdog's last inspection in 2003 deemed Sabden Primary a "very good school" where pupils achieve above average standards thanks to an "excellent quality curriculum and teaching".

But 2007 tests results were broadly average, despite that fact pupils enter the school with skills and abilities above, "and in some cases well above" those typical for their age.

Teaching and learning were now judged to be inadequate, with poorly planned classes which do not challenge pupils, according to Ofsted.

Also found to be inadequate were the foundation stage, and leadership and management.

But inspectors said the head and staff had created a "bright and welcoming school in which all staff were committed to providing a high level of care", where pupils felt safe and showed positive attitudes to learning.

Consequently their personal development and well-being was rated as "good"

Inspectors also said parents gave very positive feedback, with one quoted as calling Sabden "a wonderful, nurturing school".

In the school's self-evaulation reported given to Ofsted, the headteacher and governors rated the school "outstanding".

Headteacher Sandra Dundon said she was shocked when the report came.

She said: "Obviously we were very disappointed with the report, the focus of which was very narrow, only looking at literacy and numeracy.

"We have a very broad and balanced curriculum.

"We thought we were doing well and we still do, the report doesn't accurately reflect our school.

"We had identified some of the issues raised, but we hadn't seen them as priorities, they're more about improving bureaucratic systems."

Mrs Dundon, who has been head for 14 years, added: "We are feeling positive, we know we have our strengths as well as weaknesses and will be looking to move forward with the Ofsted action plan.

"What is more important to us is that the pupils themselves are very happy and safe, and parents are very supportive."

Special measures is when a school has been found by Ofsted to be inadequate.

The local education authority get powers to run the school, if required, and send in troubleshooters.

It will only be removed from special measures when standards improve to set targets.