A primary school has been praised by the education watchdog for its efforts to improve after it was placed in special measures just four years ago.

Ofsted inspectors looked over teaching and learning at Stambridge Primary School, in Stambridge Road, Rochford, last month. They rated all five of its key services - leadership and management, quality of teaching, welfare, outcome for pupils and early years provision as good.

The mixed school, which has 57 students aged between three to 11, has shown they provide a good quality of education and success in motivating students to learn.

After it was rated as inadequate in 2014, the school then became an academy in February 2015 under the new management from HEARTS Academy who have made significant improvements to the school.

Inspectors said: “Overall, pupils experience a range of activities that help them make good progress, personally and academically, in many curriculum subjects.

“Under the strong leadership and governance of the HEARTS Academy Trust, staff receive suitable training and support. Staff are motivated and increasingly confident and effective in their work.

“Pupils’ individual needs are known well. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly supportive of the level of individual care and attention their children receive. Pupils’ personal development is outstanding.”

Louise Johnson, executive head teacher of Stambridge and Waterman primary schools, was delighted with the school’s performance.

She said: “We are very pleased that Ofsted agreed with our own self-evaluation of the school and the views of parents and pupils.

“We want to thank everyone, including the very proactive local advisory board, trustees, and staff for their hard work and determination in moving this lovely school from special measures to good.”

In 2013, the school did not meet minimum Government standards in English and maths. However, inspectors have found there is significant improvements in these two subjects.

They said: “The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is consistently good across the school. Pupils receive well planned learning activities through which they can develop their skills effectively.

“As a result, evidence from pupils’ books and school assessment information shows that pupils currently on roll are making strong progress. This is especially the case in English and mathematics.

“Pupils’ books show that in mathematics they work hard and persevere well with the challenges they receive. They experience a wide range of activities and have the opportunity to apply their skills in different ways.

“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding. Pupils are exceptionally welcoming.”