A school about to mark its 150th anniversary has a double celebration after its recent Ofsted visit.

Lower Halstow Primary School in Sittingbourne was rated “good” and “outstanding” following the inspection at the start of the year.

The site in School Lane has been recognised for its strong sense of community, ambitious curriculum, and high expectations, with inspectors rating behaviour and attitudes as outstanding.

Quality of education, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision were all rated good.

The report, published on March 5, described pupils as “polite, enthusiastic, and respectful”, who were thriving in a “welcoming and caring atmosphere”.

It highlighted the school’s high academic standards, noting that pupils confidently discuss complex topics and “love learning”.

The report said: "Reading is a particular strength, with staff ensuring “pupils become fluent and accurate readers.

“They are particularly proud of their library”.

The school’s work on attendance was praised with inspectors noting “strong relationships with families”.

It said: “The school’s work on attendance is exceptionally effective. Its excellent work with the communities represented in the school has dramatically improved attendance.

“The school’s meticulous checks and support for pupils and their families have a deeply positive impact. This means pupils attend well, and parents and carers are supportive of the school’s efforts.”

Playtimes were “positive and safe”, and pupils “relish competing in a range of sports” thanks to excellent facilities.

Executive headteacher Tara Deevoy said: “The words in the report speak for themselves and reflect the hard work of the staff, pupils, families and our wider community in making Lower Halstow a school to be proud of”.

In the 2019 report, Lower Halstow was rated “good” in all areas.

Inspectors visited again on January 21 and 22 and their findings were published on Wednesday, March 5.

The Ofsted report suggested only one area for improvement as the school had not clearly defined what pupils should learn and how this is checked in some subjects.

The school was founded in 1876, and as the 150th anniversary approaches, the school is preparing celebrations.

Staff and pupils are busy putting posters up in the village requesting stories and photos.