Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Crowthorne Hatch Ride Primary School has been praised by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) as a good school where pupils' personal development and well-being are outstanding and their achievement is good. The primary school, on Hatch Ride in Crowthorne, has 164 pupils on its roll aged between four and 11 years old.

In their report following a two-day inspection on November 21 and 22, 2006, inspectors applauded the Crowthorne school for providing the pupils with outstanding provision to support pupils' academic progress. The report said: “Pupils work hard, enjoy learning and take a pride in their achievements. Extensive use of collaborative work, and teachers' high expectations of independence boost pupils' standards and social development.”

The Crowthorne teachers were also praised for using assessment information well to provide work that is carefully matched to pupils' needs. This is especially true in English and mathematics, where standards have risen steadily for several years and a high proportion of pupils attain above the expected levels by the end of Year 6. The inspectors’ report said standards in writing are particularly high.

There was praise too for the “outstanding range of enrichment activities that enhance the curriculum.” The report said: “Pupils are cared for very well and extensive systems are in place to promote their personal development. As a result, their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent. They enjoy very good relationships with staff and each other. Pupils work extremely well together, and are strongly supportive of each other's learning. Their behaviour is excellent and they thoroughly enjoy being in school. They are good at taking responsibility and contribute well to the community.”

Inspectors also praised the quality of leadership and management at the Crowthorne school. The report said: “The good leadership and management are firmly rooted in good self-evaluation. The headteacher, with some of her colleagues, has undertaken effective monitoring of lessons which helps improve provision… systematic plans are in place to extend monitoring to all subjects.”

Tracy Frackelton, headteacher, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Ofsted has recognised Hatch Ride Primary School as a good school. We provide the children with an excellent range of activities, which allows learning to be fun as well as challenging. The inspectors were full of praise for the children who they said work hard, enjoy learning and take a pride in their achievements.”

Chairman of Governors Hugh Chapman said: “This is an excellent result which is thoroughly deserved by the hard working staff and pupils at Hatch Ride. I am very pleased to see their dedication and high standards recognised in this way.”

Hatch Ride Primary School, Crowthorneis already addressing the few areas for improvement highlighted by the report. These include extending lesson monitoring to all subjects, and raising standards in science, particularly for higher attainers, by providing more opportunities for pupils to plan and undertake investigations.

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Crowthorne children’s services, said: “I am very pleased with the recognition of Hatch Ride Primary School by the Ofsted inspectors. The leadership and teaching ensures that the pupils learn and achieve to a high standard. This is a testimony to the hard work of pupils, staff, governors and parents at Hatch Ride Primary School, and I would like to pay tribute to their hard work and commitment.”

Prospective parents who would like to see Hatch Ride School are welcome to attend an open day on Thursday January 25 from 9.30am to 11am. More details of the open day are available from the school office on (01344) 776227.

Wokingham District Council ~ Crowthorne