THE FORMER leader of Thurrock Council has heaped praise on the Thurrock primary schools after a number received glowing reports from Ofsted.
Cllr John Kent said: "It was really pleasing to read over the weekend that another two of our primary schools have been judged as Good by Ofsted, the latest in a long line.
When I became leader of the council only one in three of our youngest children were in schools judged as good or outstanding – that figure is now over 80%.
No longer being portfolio holder means I don’t get the earlyheads up on these things, but the news that Holy Cross in South Ockendon and East Tilbury primaries no longer require improvement was good to hear.
Over the past few years Thurrock Council has worked closely with all our schools and I wanted to take this opportunity to pass on my congratulations to both Louise Coates at East Tilbury, and Maria Shepherd at Holy Cross for their hard work – and the hard work of all staff, governors and children at their schools.
Everybody associated with both schools – the teachers and other staff, the governors, the pupils and their parents and carers – have done a tremendous job and well deserve this rating if not even better.
"I am sure the council itself will, in good time, pass on its own congratulations, and I am also sure Thurrock Council will continue the good work we started and maintain the excellent rapport the council has developed with all our schools".
YT has contacted the portfolio holder for education, cllr James Halden (Cons) but he has yet to supply a statement.
