A PRIMARY school in Southend is making good progress on the road to improvement after it was branded as inadequate by Ofsted.

The quality of teaching and achievement of pupils at Porters Grange Primary School and Nursery, in Lancaster Gardens, was criticised by inspectors ten months ago.

The school was rated as inadequate with serious weaknesses.

Inspectors returned last month to check on progress, ruling Porters Grange had made “great strides.” Cheryl Woolf, executive headteacher of the school, said: “We have had wonderful support from the parent community in ensuring the children are in school, properly dressed in uniform, on time and that there attendance is much better – that has been a big bonus.

“We have done a lot of work around teaching and lessons are well paced and there is a lot of progress being made across the schools.

“The school is calm and there is a very different work ethic amongst the children too, which is wonderful to see.

“We have made some improvements in the building also, in particular we have a better playground space so the children have quality play, which is important.

“We are hugely delighted with such a positive report and it is celebrating the whole school community.”

Echo: Cheryl Woolf

Executive headteacher Cheryl Woolf

The latest Ofsted report concluded the school’s action plan is fit for purpose and that leaders and managers are taking effective action towards removing the poor rating.

Ofsted inspector Marianick Ellender-Gele said: “The school’s action plan shows how rapid improvement will be achieved.

“Actions are precise and indicate clearly how weaknesses will be eradicated. Most of these are rightly focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning.

“The head of learning monitors teaching frequently and teachers are given very specific guidance on what they need to improve. This is beginning to accelerate pupils’ achievement.”

The interim inspection does not have the power to change the school’s rating, as that has to wait until the next full inspection.

Ms Ellender-Gele praised Mrs Woolf directly for the progress made towards becoming a good school. She said: “You are skilfully steering everyone’s energy towards improving the school quickly.”