A school described as the “heart of the village” has been hailed in a positive report from watchdogs.

Belchamp St Paul Primary School was rated 'good' by Ofsted following a two-day inspection in January.

The inspection team gave the school the rating across all areas, maintaining its previous inspection rating.

Praise was given to the school’s pupils and their behaviour, its staff, leaders and curriculum.

The report says: “Pupils are proud to be part of this encouraging school, which is in the heart of the village.

“They benefit from the close-knit community and family atmosphere.”

It say pupils “behave well in classes and around school”.

“They comment on one another’s work to help each other make it better,” the report reads.

“This helps them to reflect and achieve well.”

Inspectors said the school has put a new curriculum in place and it is “mostly planned well”.

It said: “The school has rightly prioritised some subject areas, such as mathematics, phonics and early reading.”

Adults at the school “receive effective training”, and leaders “know the school’s strengths and areas for development”, the report said.

The school is also praised for identifying pupils with special educational needs or disabilities promptly and that they “get the right help that they need to succeed”.

Headteacher Ana Da Piedade was delighted with the positive report.

She said: "Our wonderful, caring and nurturing school family is really proud to have secured the judgement of 'good' from our recent Ofsted.

“Our parents, our children and our staff have all been enjoying the learning journey together, helping each other and making the most of the many skills we have as a team.

“We are grateful for our loyal and hardworking parents who support us with everything from fundraising to fun trips, flower arranging to food service, friendly welcomes to new children and their families, and most importantly being kind and thoughtful.

“Our children are awesome, and our families are awesome too.”