A VILLAGE primary school has plunged into special measures after “losing direction”.

Mistley Norman Church of England Primary School has gone from a good Ofsted rating in 2011 to being graded as inadequate.

The education watchdog report branded the cirriculum, achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and leadership as “inadequate”.

It also criticised the lack of help given by Essex County Council.

In a statement released by the school, staff and govenors spoke of their “disappointed” at the Ofsted report.

But it added that a number of strengths were also identified including pupils’ enjoyment of school, behaviour, and good relationship with staff.

Parents have also spoken of their support for the school and described it as “Mistley’s little treasure”.