A PRIMARY school is celebrating after receiving top praise in a new inspection.

Southminster-based St Leonard's Church of England Primary School has recently received a positive Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Report.

SIAMS reports evaluate the extent to which church schools are “distinctively and recognisably Christian institutions”.

The Church of England Education Office conducted an inspection at the school and found that the Christian vision is "deeply embedded and visible in all aspects of the school’s work".

The report emphasised how "leaders have created a clear culture of care and love that ensures that all are treated well".

It also highlighted that "collective worship is highly valued by the school community" and "brings meaningful opportunities for prayer and reflection, allowing both adults and pupils to develop spiritually".

Staff also received top praise, with the inspector saying that staff are "collaborative and proactive", which ensures vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), can access learning.

The report further noted that "the school’s robust commitment to pastoral care benefits all, including the most vulnerable", which is "underpinned by strong partnerships with the church and a local charity".

Following the report, headteacher Wendy Woods said: "We are thrilled with the results of our recent SIAMS inspection.

"Our Christian vision of 'Rooted in Love' is at the heart of everything we do at St Leonard's, and we are delighted that the strength of our vision and values has been recognised so clearly in the report."

Chief executive of the Vine Schools Trust, Emma Wigmore, added, "It has been a pleasure to read St Leonard's recent SIAMS report, and we are immensely proud of their achievement.

“I was particularly impressed by how the report highlighted the school's deeply embedded Christian vision and its positive impact on the entire school community.

"Congratulations to the pupils, staff, and St Leonard's school community for this outstanding result."