INSPECTORS have praised a school where leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum which challenges pupils and helps them succeed.

Montgomerie Primary School, in Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, was visited by Ofsted inspectors in February, and earned a “good” rating across the board.

The education watchdog published its report last week, praising the school for the way it encourages pupils to express their thoughts and feelings through social education lessons.

As a result of these efforts, “bullying is rare” at the school.

The primary school has 204 pupils between the age of four and 11.

The strong relationships between staff and pupils were praised, as were relationships between staff and families.

Inspectors also noted that clubs and sports competitions meant there were plenty of successes celebrated in school assemblies And expectations for staff, as well as pupils, were high.

The report added: “Teachers receive high-quality professional development; as a result, they have strong subject knowledge [and] they make careful checks on pupils’ learning in lessons.

“Teachers change their plans, so that any gaps in pupils’ knowledge are revisited to help pupils have a secure understanding.”

Staff were also praised for adapting the curriculum for pupils who have special educational needs; younger pupils, meanwhile, quickly were said to quickly learn their school routines which allowed for a calm learning environment.

Some weaknesses were identified, however, with Ofsted noting that teachers should work to identify the important information children need to know.

The report read: “In a few subjects, leaders have not fully identified all the important information pupils need to know - this means that teachers do not make appropriate choices about what to teach when planning their lessons in these subjects.”

Discussing the school’s success in its most recent inspection, headteacher Diana Mason said: “We were thrilled with the outcome of our recent inspection.

“We are all so proud of our school, the children within it and the community built around it.

“After the last few dark years of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is wonderful to know that Montgomerie continued to shine and go from strength to strength.”