A JUNIOR school on Canvey has been rated “good” with inspectors insisting it is a “safe and special place to be” in an Ofsted inspection.

Leigh Beck Junior School was rated “good” in all aspects in its first inspection since it joined the Lion Academy Trust.

School children praised teachers when speaking to inspectors, with bosses at the trust delighted with the rating.

The report said: “Pupils say their school is a safe and special place to be and that staff regularly go above and beyond to make school fun.

“It is noticeable how confidently pupils can explain their learning and pupils speak knowledgeably and use appropriate vocabulary.”

Executive headteacher for the school, Aaron Wright, insisted the rating shows the hard work at the school during the pandemic.

He said: “We have shown that irrespective of Covid or the other challenges facing schools currently, that a relentless focus on what our pupils need to succeed is the most important aspect of running a school to the Trust’s standards.

“I am delighted that the inspectors recognised how confident and articulate our learners are – and I hope the wider community feels enormously proud of the school and the impact the team and school are having locally.”

Leigh Beck Junior School joined the Lion Academy Trust in September 2017, and the report highlighted that this change has improved the quality of teaching, learning and whole school environment.

Before joining the trust, Leigh Beck was rated “inadequate”.

The report stated: “Leigh Beck Junior School has improved a great deal since joining the Lion Academy Trust.

“The trust has invested considerably in staffing and resourcing, so that pupils receive a high-quality and rich educational experience.

“Pupils have access to an ambitious curriculum that prepares them well for the next stage of education.”

Justin James, chief executive officer of the trust said it is wonderful to see the transformation.

He said: “I am extremely proud of the team at Leigh Beck Junior School for the hard work and consistent raising of standards to support the pupils and families who attend our school. The journey to becoming a “Good” school is never easy – but the pupils remain our main focus and it is wonderful to see how their primary education has been transformed since joining the trust.”