A HEADTEACHER has praised the “fantastic staff and pupils” at her Canvey primary school, despite it losing its “outstanding” rating.

Northwick Park Primary School, in Third Avenue, fell to “good” after a recent Ofsted inspection.

However, Emma Lane, who is also executive headteacher at the failing Leigh Beck Infant School and Nursery, in Point Road, said she was still delighted with the report.

She added: “We’re extremely proud to be ranked in the top 20 per cent of schools in the country for maths as well as being on par with the national average for English.”

The Ofsted inspector said the school was not outstanding overall because “pupils’ attainment in reading and writing at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 are not high enough”.

The report added: “Children make a good start because teaching is outstanding and there are excellent opportunities for play and exploration.”