The NSPCC says it is concerned about the safety of pupils at a Kent school.

St Joseph’s Convent Preparatory School in Old Road East, Gravesend, was subject to an Ofsted inspection after reports of bullying being a major problem.

Ofsted’s report says pupils’ personal development is said to suffer ‘because leaders have not ensured that all bullying is eradicated’.

Responding to our story, an NSPCC spokesman said victims of bullying at the school were at risk of developing mental health problems.

“We have concerns about some of the safeguarding issues that this inspection has raised,” they said. “All children should be in a safe environment when they go to school with their physical and emotional wellbeing safeguarded.

“Children and young people who are bullied are more at risk of developing mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.

“It’s important young people have the confidence to speak out against bullying, but also that they know where to turn to get help.

“ChildLine is there to offer free, confidential advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for all children experiencing bullying and other problems.”

The report makes specific reference to bullying problems in Year 4 and says that the school has so far failed to deal with it effectively.

It says: “Pupil discussions and class logs reveal that there have been some persistent incidents of bullying, particularly in Year 4.

“This has an impact on pupils’ physical and emotional well-being. Some pupils say that bullying is still ongoing. In discussions they say that if there was no bullying there would be a much better atmosphere in this school.”

“All children should be in a safe environment when they go to school with their physical and emotional wellbeing safeguarded" NSPCC

More than a third of parents who responded to an Ofsted online questionnaire also believe that the school deals ineffectively with bullying.

Other concerns raised by the report include pupils’ safety, checks on staff suitability, leadership, management and pupils’ achievements. The report also states that the school does not actively promote British values because pupils are not adequately informed about other cultures and religions.

Early years provision is also criticised, as are drinking water and toilet facilities. Measurements of pupils’ progress are described as ‘infrequent and inaccurate’.

Previously police were called to the school on March 21 after a girl was found with a blade in her school bag, with a parent claiming that she had brought it in to ‘deal with a bullying incident themselves’.

Head teacher Carola Timney denied the claim at the time and said the incident was ‘dealt with immediately’.

She said: “Bullying is not tolerated at St Joseph’s. We have a clear policy in place and treat all reports very seriously.”

When contacted for a response to the Ofsted report, the school said that Mrs Timney was now on leave – but they would not say why or for how long – but a statement was issued by the school’s governing body.

It read: “Since the Ofsted inspection in May, staff and governors have been working hard to make rapid improvements.

“We will work hard with the Archdiocese of Southwark as we carry on improving and we look forward to our next visit from Ofsted, which we trust will confirm the progress that the school is making.”

You can get help through ChildLine by calling a counsellor on 0800 1111; chatting to a counsellor through a one-to-one chat online at www.childline.org.uk; emailing a counsellor through the website or get peer support from other young people on the message boards.