Inadequate schools in south Essex could be re-inspected sooner following changes to how a watchdog service now plans to operate. 

Ofsted will be re-visiting inadequate schools in England within three months of its initial inspection.

The decision has been made - according to Ofsted - to give schools a better chance to improve and so they can potentially be re-graded quicker.

Schools will, however, still be automatically graded as inadequate if inspectors are concerned about how children are kept safe.

In addition to recieving visits sooner, schools will also be given more information on the timing of the inspections.

Currently, in south Essex four schools hold a rating of inadequate.

  • St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Vaagen Road, Canvey, was hit with the lowest possible rating after it was inspected on January 18 and 19.

In a report published in March, inspectors highlighted pupil's concerns around bullying as well as stating there was an "inadequate quality of education".

The school was contacted by the Echo at the time the report came out with a series of questions about the concerns, however, school bosses refused to comment.

Governors had faced criticism from Southend Council over the way the school was being managed.

It was confirmed at the end of March that the school will be taken over by an academy trust, and Southend Council is working closely with the Department for Education to select the most suitable academy to take over the Benvenue Avenue school.

  • Ortu Gable Hall School, in Corringham, was rated “inadequate” last summer after an Ofsted inspection on May 4 and 5 2022.

A monitoring inspection earlier this year found the school remains inadequate and has “serious weaknesses”.

The school is set for new management under The Harris Federation – a massive trust which runs more than 50 schools across London – at the end of the school year.

  • Southchurch High School was graded “inadequate” following an Ofsted inspection in March last year.

The school, in Southchurch Boulevard, Southend, was accused of “bullying, prejudice, and inappropriate segregation” by Ofsted back in March 2022.

Monitoring inspections on December 7 and 8 noted there had been a series of improvements, but inspectors stated the school would remain “inadequate” and continue to be in special measures.