Spurcroft celebrates good Ofsted rating

A primary school in Thatcham has celebrated receiving a good Ofsted rating.

Spurcroft Primary School said it was pleased with the positive result and is already focused on the improvements that need to be made.

The inspection found the teaching of reading to be effective, with leaders introducing a new phonics programme and ensuring staff are all highly trained.

Weaker readers are given carefully planned extra support which helps them to quickly catch up.

In a few subjects, such as history and geography, staff are using new planning for the first time.

The inspection found the work that pupils complete does not consistently reinforce the key learning in these subjects.

This means that pupils’ learning in these subjects is variable but leaders have already identified that this needs further refinement.

Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are identified swiftly and are usually well supported.

Headteacher Kate Flowerdew said: “I’m very pleased that all of the next steps needed to take the school forward were already included in our development plan before the inspection and are a focus for us.

“I would like to thank staff, families and governors who continue to support the work of the school.

“It is an honour to be leading such a strong team, dedicated to developing all children to be ready for their future.”

The report found a few members of staff do not manage pupils’ behaviour consistently well.

Some staff agreed that they would welcome more support from leaders to manage pupils’ behaviour

Chair of governors Sara Dutfield said: “It’s great that the inspectors recognised our strong staff and governor teams who are ambitious for pupils and work effectively to drive improvements.”