ESSEX County Council has issued a response to an Ofsted report that rated Katherines Primary school’s safeguarding measures as “Inadequate”.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “Clearly we, like staff and governors at Katherine’s Primary School, are disappointed with elements of the report and the overall rating.

“However, it is important to emphasise that the report also recognises some of the school’s many strengths, including the quality of teaching, behaviour of pupils and the support and challenge from the headteacher, other school leaders and governors.

“The safety and wellbeing of pupils is taken extremely seriously and we are satisfied that the school has now addressed issues around safeguarding procedures.

“We are continuing to work closely with the school to help staff build on its strengths and make further improvements, including ensuring effective strategies are put in place to improve pupils’ achievement in spelling and phonics.

YH invited Katherines to respond but they have yet to reply.