A SCHOOL in Benfleet has been ordered to improve after Ofsted inspectors criticised the “quality of education” amid concerns some teaching was “unclear”.

Jotmans Hall Primary School, in High Road, Benfleet has been rated requires improvement overall, following an inspection on July 3-4.

In the report, published on Tuesday, inspectors raised concerns about the curriculum and gaps in pupils’ education.

It stated: “The curriculum refinement from Reception through to Year 6 is incomplete. As a result, staff struggle to effectively check pupils’ understanding, impacting their ability to ensure all pupils keep up with learning.

“Staff do not consistently receive feedback on improving their teaching in subjects, like phonics and reading. This creates gaps in teaching quality and additional support, hindering some pupils’ progress.

“There are occasional lapses in communication with parents of pupils with SEND about their child’s support and how they can help at home. As a result, some parents feel dissatisfied and unaware of the school’s efforts.”

Jotmans Hall Primary School was previously rated ‘good’ for more than a decade.

Despite being rated ‘requires improvement overall’, behaviour and attitudes and also personal development were rated “good”.

However, the quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated “requires improvement”.

The report added: “The school is making significant improvements. However, some issues still hinder all pupils from receiving a consistent, high-quality education.

“Curriculum leaders do not consistently check how staff present information. They also do not check how staff arrange activities and give feedback to pupils. As a result, some pupils get unclear teaching. This leads to confusion and difficulty in learning.”

At the time of the inspection, there were 315 pupils at the school, all aged between four and 11.

Positives were also highlighted in the report. Inspectors noted: “The school’s emphasis on regular attendance, happiness and safety creates a positive environment for learning.

“So, many pupils enjoy coming to school. Pupils base their conduct on the ‘E.R.I.C’ values: effort, respect, independence and communication. They show respect in how they kindly discuss the ways people may differ.”

Jotmans Hall Primary School has been contacted for comment by the Echo, but has yet to respond.