A VILLAGE school once labelled “inadequate” by Ofsted has been turned around in little more than a year.

Downham Feoffees, in Little Downham, was ordered to improve by Ofsted when it carried out an inspection in January last year. It said the school had made insufficient progress since a previous visit in 2008.

But Ofsted says under head teacher Michelle Siequien the school was now good with outstanding features.

Ofsted inspector Nick Butt said: “Outstanding leadership from the head teacher has forged a very strong staff team.

“This, together with the governing body, has brought about significant improvements in teaching and achievement since the last inspection.

“Teaching is now confident and run at a brisk pace, making good use of resources to interest and engage pupils.

“Pupils behave extremely well both in class and around the school.”

To become an outstanding school Ofsted says it will need to improve its teaching in maths and also plan more challenging activities for pupils.

Mr Butt said: “Older pupils have some gaps in their knowledge of mathematics because of weaker teaching when they were younger.

“Other pupils find it difficult to work out mathematical problems in their heads.”