Steep Primary School, which was hit by a negative Ofsted report a year ago, has been given a glowing endorsement following a recent inspection.

The report in June 2007 said the teaching and learning in the school was inadequate. But the inspector who visited the school on June 30 and July 1 this year has given Steep School a resounding thumbs up and praised its progress.

In this latest report, the school was praised for "taking giant strides and creating a new staff team which has meant that inadequate teaching has been eliminated.

"Throughout the school, pupils of all abilities are achieving well and the leadership is excellent."

The inspectors' report stated that the school has "improved the quality of teaching and learning. Teachers plan effectively to match their children's abilities, are swift to praise and children have individual learning targets."

Headteacher Angela Morrow who has been leading the school's recovery, said: "I am delighted that the hard work by all the staff has been recognised, Steep school is a wonderful place in which to work and learn."

One parent stated: "The improvements in the school are palpable. The school is definitely on the way up."

Margaret Scott, chairman of governors said: "The expertise and commitment of all the staff in the school has been justifiably rewarded by this excellent result.

"We have wonderful children, involved parents, skilled teachers and a lovely environment and we are very pleased that the inspector recognised all these components which are key to making Steep a good school."

Mrs Morrow, who joined the school in September 2006, said the whole school was thrilled the inspectors had recognised the fruits of their labours.

"The staff have worked really hard this year and have put in that extra effort," she said.

"There's a very strong team spirit within the school.

"We focused on what we needed to do and we have had a lot of support from parents and governors and the local authority, and it's paid tremendous results."