AN INFANT school where “children feel safe and confident” has been praised by Ofsted inspectors and handed a “good” rating.

Holt Farm Infant School in Ashingdon Road, Rochford, has been described as a place where “pupils understand that staff care for them and they feel safe”.

The school, which has more than 200 pupils, has consistently been rated as a good school by Ofsted since 2013.

There are a range of craft, sports and games clubs and children take part in fundraising for charity, inspectors stated.

Lead inspector Steve Woodley wrote: “As a result, pupils become confident and active young people.”

Pupils were said to behave well and treat each other “politely and kindly” and bullying was said to be “very rare” and if it does occur it is “dealt with quickly and effectively”.

In order to improve, the inspector said: “A small number of readers in Years One and Two do not make the progress that they should.

“This is because the texts used do not always precisely match their needs.

“Leaders should ensure that the new phonics scheme is fully implemented and that staff are trained to deliver it effectively.

“This is so that all pupils are given the support they need to learn to read so they can access the rest of the curriculum more successfully.”

The phonics scheme is said to be in its early stages, but there are plans to update the scheme and texts for Year One and Two pupils.

The inspector said the curriculum is well-managed and broken down into small steps for pupils to take in.

The knowledge of pupils is also said to be regularly reviewed by teachers.

The inspector said: “They review how effectively pupils are developing their knowledge and adapt their teaching to ensure they are taking into account what pupils know and remember.

“This helps pupils to achieve well. Leaders have brought in regular opportunities for pupils to review their work.

“Consequently, pupils feel more confident when moving on to new learning.”

Pupils learn about personal space, positive relationships, money and more, which the inspector said “is evident in how well they look after each other in school.”