A SCHOOL where “pupils enjoy learning” is celebrating after being praised by Ofsted during its first inspection since becoming an academy.

Ofsted inspectors visited Laindon Park Primary School and Nursery, on Church Hill, on February 2 and 3 for the first time since it became part of the Zenith Trust in 2018.

In a report published this week, the school was rated as good overall and good in terms of its education quality, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

The inspectors report stated: “Pupils enjoy learning and playing together at this small, friendly school. They are confident that everyone is welcome here. From the early years, children learn to share ideas and equipment.

“In lessons, pupils follow instructions and settle to the tasks set by their teachers. Occasionally, a few pupils lose concentration, but adults quickly spot this and help them to focus again. Pupils persevere when they find things tricky. They say that adults will help them when they need it.

“Pupils enjoy the opportunities provided to extend their horizons. They enjoy a range of visitors, including theatre groups. The school council makes meaningful changes, such as saving leftover lunches. They show compassion for others by raising funds for local charities.”

Laindon Park Primary School was also commended for its commitment to ensuring SEND pupils are catered to properly.

The school, which was last inspected in 2015 when it was rated good, was praised for establishing connections with external professionals who support and educate families and teachers on how they can help SEND pupils thrive in lessons.

Cristina Portoles, headteacher, said: “We are delighted with the strengths of the school that the report highlighted. The comments and observations the inspectors made about our wonderful children really reflect our ethos and what a lovely school they help to create.

“Thank you to everyone in our community; our teachers, parents/carers, governors, Zenith Trust and our support staff that helped us secure this outcome.”

Andy Hodgkinson, CEO of Zenith Trust, added: “We are pleased that inspectors recognised all the good work currently taking place at the school.

“The trust will continue to support the school and its staff with ongoing investment to bring about further improvement and secure a quality education and experience for all.”