A PRIMARY school has said it is determined to continue working hard after a fresh Ofsted visit to the school recognised its efforts to improve on a previous report.

Maldon Primary School was visited by the education watchdog earlier this year in February.

It was rated inadequate in behaviours and attitudes and leadership and management.

The school was also told it requires improvement in the quality of education, personal development and early years provision.

Since the previous inspection, the previous headteacher was replaced by a new executive headteacher who took on the role in September, alongside other staff changes.

The monitoring inspection focused on the school’s safeguarding arrangements, including how pupils learn to keep safe through the school’s personal, social and health education programme.

In its monitoring visit, the inspector recognised the school’s efforts in working towards improvements.

The report said: “There is an orderly approach to school improvement.

“Ahead of plans to launch a revised curriculum in September 2022, leaders have used this term to strengthen the systems for safeguarding and supporting pupils’ behaviour.

“Leaders recognise that pupils must feel happy and safe to be ready to learn.

“There is much to celebrate in how leaders have addressed historical issues with safeguarding.”

It detailed how the school has introduced weekly meetings to discuss pupils at risk of harm, and leaders are described as “tenacious” in how they secure support for vulnerable pupils and their families.

It also added that leaders now keep comprehensive safeguarding records and ensure that they and their staff are suitably trained.

The report also exampled how safeguarding has improved, noting carefully planned assemblies which help pupils know how to keep themselves safe.

The inspector said: “Leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action towards the removal of the serious weaknesses designation.

“The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The school’s improvement plan is fit for purpose.”

Following the latest visit, executive headteacher at Maldon Primary School Debbie Conroy said: “We are pleased that Ofsted have recognised from their recent visit that safeguarding in our school is effective and we are making progress.

“We know we still have work to do, and we are determined to make our school the best it can be for Maldon children and our community.”