Parents have spoken of their fury after an East Riding primary school was put into special measures for failing to give pupils an acceptable standard of education.

Hallgate Primary School, in Cottingham, has been branded a failing school by inspectors from education watchdog Ofsted.

Sixteen of 28 areas inspected were rated inadequate, including the school's overall effectiveness, capacity for sustained improvement and outcomes for pupils.

The inspectors reported that "the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement".

One alarmed parent has described it as "a damning report" which raises serious questions over the standards of education at the 296-pupil primary.

It is the only East Riding school in special measures.

The primary was created in September 2008 by the amalgamation of the former infant and junior schools in Hallgate.

The former Hallgate Junior School had been placed in special measures in September 2007.

But East Riding Council's head of improvement and learning Mike Furbank said the issues identified in Ofsted's two-day inspection in December "bear no relation" to problems highlighted previously at the former junior school.

The authority is supporting the primary in remedying the weaknesses and it expects to see rapid improvements.

Ofsted pinpointed inadequacies in the infant years and early foundation stage at the primary, as well as below average standards in English and maths in year six, for 11-year-olds.

Parents were invited to a meeting on Friday evening to discuss the report with governors and the local authority.

One parent, who did not want to be named, told the Mail: "I am quite amazed and upset about it.

"The report is quite damning in saying the children are not being challenged and that they are behind in several areas.

"My child started on the first day of the new building. I had thought twice about my child going to Hallgate but we had done our homework and I thought it was good. I am now rather concerned."

Ofsted reported that by year two, standards are well below average in reading, writing and maths. Standards are also well below average in English and maths in year six, for 11-year-olds.

Particular weaknesses include a lack of guidance on how pupils can improve their work, uninspiring teaching and inappropriate levels of challenge.

Provision in the early years foundation stage is inadequate because the indoor and outdoor activities provided for children often lack challenge and purpose.

Many children are working below the level expected by the end of reception. Literacy, numeracy and creative skills are especially low.

Headteacher Christine Lacey, who took over last September, said the report confirmed her own initial evaluation of the school's provision.

She said: "Clearly, plans put into place to improve the situation at the start of the autumn term had not had time to take effect before the Ofsted inspection, and this was recognised by the inspection team.

"Whilst I recognise the challenge of the task of leading the school out of special measures I am confident that with the support of governors, staff and parents, the task will be achievable."

Chair of governors Phil Blenkiron said the appointment of Mrs Lacey was the governors' response to strengthening the school's leadership.