‘Oxford Road Community Primary is a Good School’ – Ofsted
18/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
OXFORD Road Community Primary School has been rated good by Ofsted. Inspectors found that the school’s “ongoing improvements … mean standards are rising further”.
In the report published on 10th November, the Headteacher was praised for her “excellent leadership” and senior leaders were noted as having “tackled inadequate teaching (to) make sure that this is eradicated”.
The school’s children were commended on being tolerant and for their support for each other, and the report also stated that the “the behaviour of pupils is good because they are keen to work hard.” Additionally, inspectors found that the children “speak very proudly about their school”.
Report highlights include:
• From their different starting points, all groups of pupils make good progress
• Disabled pupils and those with special educational needs are well supported. They make at least good progress, and some make rapid progress
• The Early Years Foundation Stage is a strength of the school and gives children in Nursery and Reception a good start to their learning
• Pupils who speak English as an additional language make rapid progress because the school helps them develop their confidence in speaking and understanding English. As they do so, their progress in other subjects accelerates quickly
The school will now be working towards the highest Ofsted rating by following recommendations to enhance the precision of feedback given to teachers so that they are clear on what constitutes outstanding practice.
Headteacher, Mrs Claire Hurst said:
“We are very proud of the report which recognises the good progress our school has made and the high standard of education our children receive. It also captures the ethos of our school; one that helps children to “understand how to make the most of the opportunities they have” and to “prepare them very well for making a positive contribution to the school, the community around them, and as positive citizens".”
“We endeavour to inspire the hearts and minds of both our children and the community and I have no doubt the school will continue to move from strength to strength.”
Lead Member for Education, Cllr John Ennis said:
“This is another good report for Oxford Road Community Primary and shows how their efforts to raise achievement levels have paid off.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone at the school for all their hard work.”
“Ofsted noted how the Local Authority has been working closely with the school, at their request. We will continue to support them, and any other school, to drive up standards.”
80% of Reading schools under Local Authority control are now rated good or outstanding, which is in line with the national average.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Oxford Road Community Primary School Ofsted report can be found here:
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109786
Monday, 24 November 2014
Blagdon Nursery School is Outstanding - Ofsted
Blagdon Nursery School is Outstanding – Ofsted
18/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
BLAGDON Nursery School in Whitley has received a glowing Ofsted report after a recent inspection found it to be outstanding once again.
The nursery school offers up to 140 part-time places and five full-time places for three and four-year-old children.
The report reflects the enthusiasm and drive of both the staff and pupils and talks of the children’s eagerness to progress, desire to share their achievements and how they are “enthusiastic and polite, and committed to learning.”
Staff and governors are praised for being “absolutely committed to achieving the highest possible outcomes for all children.” The report goes on to say that “there has been a relentless focus on improving teaching through observation and training, to ensure high standards of achievement.”
Other report highlights include:
• Children make rapid progress in all areas of learning. Staff are very good at measuring what children can do when they arrive at the nursery, so they know exactly what to prioritise for their learning
• Children learn exceptionally well because they are excited and motivated by stimulating and interesting learning materials and activities
• Teachers constantly encourage children to ask questions, to talk about their learning, and to listen carefully
• Both the children and the staff love learning. Children are thrilled by new ideas. Their behaviour is outstanding because they want to learn as much as they can
• Staff and parents are committed to the school’s vision, which places great emphasis on children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
• Parents are delighted by what the nursery offers, and are unanimous in their support of the school
Inspectors found that “parents are extremely positive about the school and the communication they receive regarding their children.” For the school to improve even further, the report suggested enhancements to the school website so that parents can access information more easily in order to support their children’s learning.
The report noted support from the Local Authority, who “advised the school on improvements to the outdoor play area so it is an inspiring place for children.” Headteacher Ms Sarah Mitchell – a Local Leader in Education – has worked closely with the Council to support other schools.
Headteacher, Ms Sarah Mitchell said:
“We are all delighted that the education the children receive at Blagdon and the hard work and expertise of the staff are recognised as outstanding.”
Chair of Governors, Emma Jackson added:
"The Governing Body is extremely proud of the staff and children at Blagdon for their hard work to maintain the Outstanding judgement."
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Member for Education said:
“I would like to congratulate Blagdon Nursery School on once again achieving an outstanding rating from Ofsted.
“This is such a positive report - full of praise and deservedly so.
“I am sure that pupils can take what they’ve learnt at Blagdon and continue to thrive as they move on to primary school.”
For Reading schools under Local Authority control, 80% are now rated good or outstanding, which is in line with the national average.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Blagdon Nursery’s Schools Ofsted report can be found here: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109748
18/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
BLAGDON Nursery School in Whitley has received a glowing Ofsted report after a recent inspection found it to be outstanding once again.
The nursery school offers up to 140 part-time places and five full-time places for three and four-year-old children.
The report reflects the enthusiasm and drive of both the staff and pupils and talks of the children’s eagerness to progress, desire to share their achievements and how they are “enthusiastic and polite, and committed to learning.”
Staff and governors are praised for being “absolutely committed to achieving the highest possible outcomes for all children.” The report goes on to say that “there has been a relentless focus on improving teaching through observation and training, to ensure high standards of achievement.”
Other report highlights include:
• Children make rapid progress in all areas of learning. Staff are very good at measuring what children can do when they arrive at the nursery, so they know exactly what to prioritise for their learning
• Children learn exceptionally well because they are excited and motivated by stimulating and interesting learning materials and activities
• Teachers constantly encourage children to ask questions, to talk about their learning, and to listen carefully
• Both the children and the staff love learning. Children are thrilled by new ideas. Their behaviour is outstanding because they want to learn as much as they can
• Staff and parents are committed to the school’s vision, which places great emphasis on children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
• Parents are delighted by what the nursery offers, and are unanimous in their support of the school
Inspectors found that “parents are extremely positive about the school and the communication they receive regarding their children.” For the school to improve even further, the report suggested enhancements to the school website so that parents can access information more easily in order to support their children’s learning.
The report noted support from the Local Authority, who “advised the school on improvements to the outdoor play area so it is an inspiring place for children.” Headteacher Ms Sarah Mitchell – a Local Leader in Education – has worked closely with the Council to support other schools.
Headteacher, Ms Sarah Mitchell said:
“We are all delighted that the education the children receive at Blagdon and the hard work and expertise of the staff are recognised as outstanding.”
Chair of Governors, Emma Jackson added:
"The Governing Body is extremely proud of the staff and children at Blagdon for their hard work to maintain the Outstanding judgement."
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Member for Education said:
“I would like to congratulate Blagdon Nursery School on once again achieving an outstanding rating from Ofsted.
“This is such a positive report - full of praise and deservedly so.
“I am sure that pupils can take what they’ve learnt at Blagdon and continue to thrive as they move on to primary school.”
For Reading schools under Local Authority control, 80% are now rated good or outstanding, which is in line with the national average.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Blagdon Nursery’s Schools Ofsted report can be found here: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/109748
Outstanding Ofsted for Norcot Early Years Centre
Outstanding Ofsted Report for Norcot Early Years Centre
19/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
NORCOT Early Years Centre has passed a recent Ofsted inspection with flying colours, retaining their outstanding rating.
The Centre is a pre-school for 90 children and is housed in two buildings on Lyndhurst Road. It links closely with the local children’s centre cluster and has recently started offering places to two-year-olds eligible for free places.
The pre-school’s teaching and safeguarding – as well as the children’s behaviour and the involvement of parents and carers - were all judged to be outstanding. Inspectors found that “senior leaders never stand still in their pursuit of excellence” and that the “children’s personal, social and emotional development is well promoted through the rich curriculum.”
There was particular praise for the Centre’s work in raising standards and ensuring that all pupils learn well and progress. Ofsted found that a “large number of children” have very low levels of spoken language, poor attending and listening skills and social and communication difficulties when the join the nursery. In overcoming these challenges, inspectors commended the Centre for its “outstanding teaching, the exceptionally well-planned environment inside and outside, the very effective use of the centre’s wider surroundings, the highly engaging curriculum and outstanding relationships (that) all contribute to helping children make rapid and sustained progress.”
Other report highlights include:
• Leaders support staff exceptionally well, helping them continually develop their understanding of how children learn. This leads to outstanding practice
• Children love learning and really enjoy their time at the centre. They settle very quickly into the day-to-day routines, learn to behave very well and revel in the range of opportunities available to them
• Teaching is outstanding. Staff expertly check exactly what each child needs to learn next, so their learning progresses well. They use every chance to help children get better at speaking and listening
• Children achieve exceptionally well. Many start nursery with poor skills in speaking, listening and mathematics. By the time they leave they show that they can do these things as well or better than children of the same age
• Centre leaders have excellent systems for checking how well children are doing. This helps them to know what is working and what needs to be changed; for example, they have identified that at lunchtime children would benefit from having more quiet places to play and that staff supervision is not as highly effective as at other times of the day
Inspectors noted that leaders have a “very positive” relationship with the Local Authority and that the headteacher has built useful links with local schools. Ofsted felt that “this helps all staff to share good ideas to improve even further.”
Head of Centre, Diana Heath said:
“I am delighted that Norcot has once again maintained its outstanding status. I would like to thank staff, governors and parents who have worked hard to ensure they do the very best for all the children.”
Chair of Governors, Mr Adam Hewitt added:
“The Ofsted Outstanding award for Norcot Early Years Centre recognises the huge amount of effort all of the staff at the centre put into their work. They should be rightly proud of their achievement and the differences it makes to children’s lives. My fellow governors and I are delighted for them.”
Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education, Cllr John Ennis said:
“Norcot Early Years Centre provides a consistently high level of pre-school education, and it is great to see the staff and pupils’ success recognised in this way.
“I know that the staff and governors are committed to raising standards. The Council is keen to support them – and other pre-school settings – to ensure that children get the best possible start to their education.
“I would like to congratulate pupils, parents, staff and governors on what they have achieved and what they continue to achieve.”
For Reading schools under Local Authority control, 80% are now rated good or outstanding, which is in line with the national average.
.
ENDS
19/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
NORCOT Early Years Centre has passed a recent Ofsted inspection with flying colours, retaining their outstanding rating.
The Centre is a pre-school for 90 children and is housed in two buildings on Lyndhurst Road. It links closely with the local children’s centre cluster and has recently started offering places to two-year-olds eligible for free places.
The pre-school’s teaching and safeguarding – as well as the children’s behaviour and the involvement of parents and carers - were all judged to be outstanding. Inspectors found that “senior leaders never stand still in their pursuit of excellence” and that the “children’s personal, social and emotional development is well promoted through the rich curriculum.”
There was particular praise for the Centre’s work in raising standards and ensuring that all pupils learn well and progress. Ofsted found that a “large number of children” have very low levels of spoken language, poor attending and listening skills and social and communication difficulties when the join the nursery. In overcoming these challenges, inspectors commended the Centre for its “outstanding teaching, the exceptionally well-planned environment inside and outside, the very effective use of the centre’s wider surroundings, the highly engaging curriculum and outstanding relationships (that) all contribute to helping children make rapid and sustained progress.”
Other report highlights include:
• Leaders support staff exceptionally well, helping them continually develop their understanding of how children learn. This leads to outstanding practice
• Children love learning and really enjoy their time at the centre. They settle very quickly into the day-to-day routines, learn to behave very well and revel in the range of opportunities available to them
• Teaching is outstanding. Staff expertly check exactly what each child needs to learn next, so their learning progresses well. They use every chance to help children get better at speaking and listening
• Children achieve exceptionally well. Many start nursery with poor skills in speaking, listening and mathematics. By the time they leave they show that they can do these things as well or better than children of the same age
• Centre leaders have excellent systems for checking how well children are doing. This helps them to know what is working and what needs to be changed; for example, they have identified that at lunchtime children would benefit from having more quiet places to play and that staff supervision is not as highly effective as at other times of the day
Inspectors noted that leaders have a “very positive” relationship with the Local Authority and that the headteacher has built useful links with local schools. Ofsted felt that “this helps all staff to share good ideas to improve even further.”
Head of Centre, Diana Heath said:
“I am delighted that Norcot has once again maintained its outstanding status. I would like to thank staff, governors and parents who have worked hard to ensure they do the very best for all the children.”
Chair of Governors, Mr Adam Hewitt added:
“The Ofsted Outstanding award for Norcot Early Years Centre recognises the huge amount of effort all of the staff at the centre put into their work. They should be rightly proud of their achievement and the differences it makes to children’s lives. My fellow governors and I are delighted for them.”
Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education, Cllr John Ennis said:
“Norcot Early Years Centre provides a consistently high level of pre-school education, and it is great to see the staff and pupils’ success recognised in this way.
“I know that the staff and governors are committed to raising standards. The Council is keen to support them – and other pre-school settings – to ensure that children get the best possible start to their education.
“I would like to congratulate pupils, parents, staff and governors on what they have achieved and what they continue to achieve.”
For Reading schools under Local Authority control, 80% are now rated good or outstanding, which is in line with the national average.
.
ENDS
Pupils learn quickly and make good progress at the Holy Brook School
The Holybrook school is one of several schools in Reading inspected by OFSTED. Below is the press release stating the Good judgement by OFSTED that is well deserved by all at Holybrook in giving an excellent education to children with special educational needs.
Ofsted find that pupils “learn quickly and make good progress” at The Holy Brook School
21/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
A SCHOOL that supports some of Reading most vulnerable children has been awarded a good rating after a recent inspection by Ofsted.
The Holy Brook School is a special school for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, and additional learning difficulties, such as autism.
In a report published today, Ofsted inspectors praised the teaching at the school as being “typically of high quality” and noted that the “pupils develop good attitudes to learning.”
Report highlights include:
• Leaders and the governing body have maintained good quality teaching and high standards since the last inspection
• Teaching is good across the school. Members of each class team work well together
• Pupils make good progress in developing new skills, knowledge and understanding in lessons. All groups of pupils achieve equally well
• The achievement of pupils who are eligible for additional funding is the same as other pupils in the school. Their achievement is typically higher than that of similar pupils nationally
• Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are good. They make good progress in their personal development and in beginning to manage their own behaviour. Pupils enjoy being at school. Their attendance is high
The school was commended for involving pupils in the wider community. School visits to a leisure centre and different places of worship “give pupils a better sense of the community in which they live” and “prepare pupils for living in modern Britain”, inspectors found.
The report goes on to say that “the school contributes much to the education of children with challenging behaviour throughout the local authority by supporting staff in local schools.” Holy Brook’s Pupils’ “are beginning to close the gap between their attainment and that of mainstream pupils nationally.”
To help the school achieve the highest rating in their next inspection, Ofsted has suggested that the school work on making teaching consistently outstanding; that there be more clarity around what counts as a serious incident; and that planning be more focused on the most important priorities.
Jenny Picket, Chair of Governors said:
“We are delighted that the inspection recognises the high standards provided by the school. The headteacher, staff and governors are committed to delivering an effective education to some of the most vulnerable children in our community, ensuring that they make good progress.”
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Member for Education said:
“The Holy Brook School staff, pupils, parents and governors are to be congratulated on this excellent Ofsted report.
“Inspectors have praised the school for narrowing the gap in attainment between their pupils and those at mainstream schools not just locally, but on a national level. This is a great achievement and I wish the school the very best as they go from strength to strength."
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
The Ofsted report for The Holy Brook School can be found here http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/110193
Ofsted find that pupils “learn quickly and make good progress” at The Holy Brook School
21/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
A SCHOOL that supports some of Reading most vulnerable children has been awarded a good rating after a recent inspection by Ofsted.
The Holy Brook School is a special school for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, and additional learning difficulties, such as autism.
In a report published today, Ofsted inspectors praised the teaching at the school as being “typically of high quality” and noted that the “pupils develop good attitudes to learning.”
Report highlights include:
• Leaders and the governing body have maintained good quality teaching and high standards since the last inspection
• Teaching is good across the school. Members of each class team work well together
• Pupils make good progress in developing new skills, knowledge and understanding in lessons. All groups of pupils achieve equally well
• The achievement of pupils who are eligible for additional funding is the same as other pupils in the school. Their achievement is typically higher than that of similar pupils nationally
• Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are good. They make good progress in their personal development and in beginning to manage their own behaviour. Pupils enjoy being at school. Their attendance is high
The school was commended for involving pupils in the wider community. School visits to a leisure centre and different places of worship “give pupils a better sense of the community in which they live” and “prepare pupils for living in modern Britain”, inspectors found.
The report goes on to say that “the school contributes much to the education of children with challenging behaviour throughout the local authority by supporting staff in local schools.” Holy Brook’s Pupils’ “are beginning to close the gap between their attainment and that of mainstream pupils nationally.”
To help the school achieve the highest rating in their next inspection, Ofsted has suggested that the school work on making teaching consistently outstanding; that there be more clarity around what counts as a serious incident; and that planning be more focused on the most important priorities.
Jenny Picket, Chair of Governors said:
“We are delighted that the inspection recognises the high standards provided by the school. The headteacher, staff and governors are committed to delivering an effective education to some of the most vulnerable children in our community, ensuring that they make good progress.”
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Member for Education said:
“The Holy Brook School staff, pupils, parents and governors are to be congratulated on this excellent Ofsted report.
“Inspectors have praised the school for narrowing the gap in attainment between their pupils and those at mainstream schools not just locally, but on a national level. This is a great achievement and I wish the school the very best as they go from strength to strength."
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
The Ofsted report for The Holy Brook School can be found here http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/110193
Council to engage with local community on a permanent home for The Heights
Below is the press release from Reading Borough Council on consulting residents on the possible location of the new free school, The Heights in NW Caversham. It is clear that there is a need for a new primary school in NW Caversham as there are no schools, whilst East Caversham is well served by many good schools. I am pleased that the Education Funding Agency has asked us to consult on their decision making process for the new primary school.
Council to Engage With Local Community on a Permanent Home for The Heights
21/11/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
THE Government’s Education Funding Agency (EFA) has written to Reading Borough Council asking for assistance in finding a community-backed permanent location for the Heights Free School.
In what is a change to their usual approach of selecting sites for free schools, the EFA wrote to the Council yesterday (Nov 20) acknowledging that the local authority was “best placed” to ensure local residents and parents were engaged and involved in helping to choose a permanent home for the Caversham school.
It follows a period of intense local opposition to the EFA’s purchase of High Ridge as a possible location for the school. The EFA’s letter to Reading Borough Council this week confirmed that it had now chosen to “defer work around the development of the site indefinitely.”
The Government-led process for setting up free schools means the EFA - not the local authority – remains the body responsible for choosing a site for and designing any permanent new school. Reading Borough Council is happy however to facilitate discussions with local residents so that – together with the local community – it can present a clear view to the EFA of where the Heights permanent location should be.
The EFA has just completed a review into possible sites for the school. The findings of the EFA review identify a number of alternative locations to High Ridge, including Mapledurham Playing Fields, which is held in Charitable Trust by the Council.
Reading Borough Council takes its responsibilities as Trustees extremely seriously. As a result, the Council has taken legal advice on how it can facilitate engagement with the local community on possible sites for the free school, while at the same time fulfilling its duties as Trustees of Mapledurham Playing Fields.
A report will go to a meeting of the Council’s Policy Committee on Monday December 1st proposing the setting up of a sub-committee of Councillors to act as Trustees of Mapledurham Playing Fields. If the recommendation is approved, this would enable the Council to independently fulfil its duty as Trustees, whilst at the same time engaging with the local community on what they think is the best possible solution for a permanent site for The Heights.
Reading Borough Council Leader Jo Lovelock said:
“I am pleased that the EFA have chosen to change their usual approach in this instance and seek the help of the local authority in engaging with the local community on a site for The Heights. That is something we as a Council are happy to facilitate, on behalf of the EFA.
“Before we can do that however, we need to be able to separate the Council’s role as Trustees of Mapledurham Playing Fields, from its responsibilities as the Local Education Authority tasked by the EFA to engage with the local community. The proposal is therefore to set up a Sub Committee of Councillors who would fulfil the Council’s responsibility of independent Trustees.
“Notwithstanding Reading Borough Council’s role in engaging with the local community on this matter, the final decision of where the permanent site for the school should be remains with the EFA, as does the final design of the school.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/
Monday, 21 July 2014
Reading Borough Council confirms a new Maiden Erlegh School for East Reading on the Crescent Road site.
After a protracted period of negotiations between Reading Borough Council (RBC) and the Education Funding Authority (EFA)I can confirm that Crescent Road in East Reading will be the site for the new Maiden Erlegh school.
The council bought the Crescent Road site in 2013 with the express intention of securing the site for future educational use. This was done in response to the increasing demand on secondary school places, particularly developing in 2017. At tonight's Policy Committee we agreed to sell the land at Crescent Road to the EFA in order for the Maiden Erlegh academy to open a secondary school in 2015.
The building of a school is subject to planning, but the educational strategy of Reading for East Reading is to expand Alfred Sutton School, Newtown Primary and relocating Riverside Nursery as well as facilitate the new Maiden Erlegh secondary school, next to the University Technical College.
Reading have received the same monetary value as what they paid for, which means that the council will not have to pay at least £18m for a new secondary school, Reading tax payers will not have to fund this school. This is a testament to the good work council officers have done in order to facilitate a new secondary school,successfully negotiating with the EFA.
The council bought the Crescent Road site in 2013 with the express intention of securing the site for future educational use. This was done in response to the increasing demand on secondary school places, particularly developing in 2017. At tonight's Policy Committee we agreed to sell the land at Crescent Road to the EFA in order for the Maiden Erlegh academy to open a secondary school in 2015.
The building of a school is subject to planning, but the educational strategy of Reading for East Reading is to expand Alfred Sutton School, Newtown Primary and relocating Riverside Nursery as well as facilitate the new Maiden Erlegh secondary school, next to the University Technical College.
Reading have received the same monetary value as what they paid for, which means that the council will not have to pay at least £18m for a new secondary school, Reading tax payers will not have to fund this school. This is a testament to the good work council officers have done in order to facilitate a new secondary school,successfully negotiating with the EFA.
Monday, 2 June 2014
Great news for young people 16-18 year olds in Education, Employment or Training
Last Tuesday I was re-elected by the Labour Group of Councillors to be the Lead Councillor for Education and one of the first briefings I was given was the good improvement of the reduction of young people aged 16-18 not in employment, education or training. (NEET)
The number of NEET 16-18 year olds in the Borough has fallen by 2.1% from the previous year - 6.3% at the end of 2013 compared to 8.4% in 2012.
90.3% of Reading's 16-18 year olds are in education, employment or training compared to 84.7% for across the South East.
The Borough’s ‘activity not known’ figure of 3.4% is also considerably lower than 10.2% for the South East as a whole. This demonstrates our continuing focus on the young people who are most in need of support.
This has been a period of hard work and partnership with others, namely further education establishments, like Reading College, the Raising Participation Team and the good work they have done, working with young people, listening to their concerns and ambitions and importantly with the business community, crucial to ensuring apprenticeships and fruitful training is available for young people to take up.
This is great news for many young people but we must not be complacent and continue to work in partnership with young people, colleges and with business to create more opportunities for young people.
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