A SCHOOL where pupils and staff alike enjoy a family feel to proceedings has impressed an Ofsted inspector.

The education watchdog visited Kingswode Hoe School, Colchester, which provides education for youngsters aged between five and 16 and who have moderate learning difficulties.

The Sussex Road school was rated good by the inspector after they were impressed during two visits in March.

Pupils were praised for being polite and well-mannered and staff praised for being supportive in any issue they were approached with.

Bullying was described as a rarity with the school environment one which is “calm and orderly”.

School leaders provide a curriculum which prepares pupils for “purposeful and successful” engagement in learning, the Ofsted report reads.

It adds youngsters gain valuable employability and personal skills, and the accreditation needed to reach the next stage of their lives.

The report reads: “Reading is suitably prioritised and resources to teach phonics are used consistently. High quality texts during guided reading and staff reading aloud in lessons stimulates pupils”.

However, the school was told a minority of its older pupils lack confidence in reading and work should be done to ensure they get extra support.