School leaders say they are on track to open a new primary school as preparations continue during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Springhead Park Primary School in Ebbsfleet will open in September as planned despite bosses having to recruit teachers via webcam and host a virtual Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors met with the school's leadership team in a serious of video meetings and were given an online tour of the school building.

The inspection took place to ensure the school is ready to open on schedule to take the first cohort of nursery to Year 4 pupils.

Interviews to recruit teachers have been carried out online following a lengthy process with five joining the school.

Building contractors Kier also faced challenges during the lockdown to make sure progress could continue amid a reduced workforce on site and supply chain issues caused by the impact of the pandemic.

Head teacher Wayne Clayton said: "We are delighted the hard work and commitment of so many will come to fruition in September and are looking forward to welcoming all our new pupils. In particular, Kier, the construction company, have been brilliant; we couldn’t praise them highly enough, they have been outstanding.

“Ofsted were also a pleasure to work with. They were very flexible, particularly in their reaction to the current pandemic.

"They carried out a thorough inspection of our plans and the school site, as they should, despite being unable to visit the school or meet face to face.

"We are very grateful to them for this, as it means that Springhead Park will now get a community school on time, as planned.”

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