Watlington Community Primary School and Watlington Pre-School delight after ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings

Staff and pupils at a village primary and pre-school are over the moon after being rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Watlington Community Primary School and Watlington Pre-School both received the news after recent inspections by the education watchdog, and have shared their delight.

Claire Chapman, head teacher of the primary, was appointed in April 2022 - and says that since then, the school has undergone a period of rapid improvement.

Its entire curriculum has been re-designed, while after-school clubs are now on offer and school trips and experiences for each year group are more commonplace.

Links with the community have been re-established thanks to outings in the community and guest speakers for assemblies.

The Ofsted report for the primary says: “Pupils are happy in school. They welcome newcomers and treat each other kindly. Pupils behave well in the playground and around the school. They are polite to staff and visitors.

“The school has worked hard to improve the curriculum. It has ensured that the curriculum is ambitious and reviewed regularly.

“Staff have identified what they want pupils to know and remember in each subject. The school has trained staff well, so teachers’ subject knowledge is strong.

“The school is a well-respected part of the local community. It has worked hard to improve the curriculum and introduce necessary changes in a measured way.

“Leaders take account of staff workload and support their development. This means that the whole-school team works well together to the benefit of the pupils.

“Parents speak highly of the school and the way they feel supported and welcomed. They talk positively about the education their children receive and the homework the school provides.”

Ms Chapman said: "We are all extremely proud of this positive outcome which is a testament to the care, commitment and hard work of our staff, the support of the parents and carers, and of course a celebration of our wonderful children.

“I hope everyone will see the journey and rapid improvement the school has undergone in order to say the school is good. We're looking forward to 2025 and seeing how much more we can achieve."

Meanwhile, Caroline Pocock, who has been manager of the pre-school since 2010, is also delighted to have achieved a ‘Good’ rating.

Its report says: "All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress. The manager has a clear vision of what she wants children to learn while at the pre-school.

“The manager and staff have developed a broad and balanced curriculum. They understand what they want children to learn in preparation for their move to school.

"Parents are complimentary about the pre-school. They describe staff as 'supportive' and 'approachable'.

“Staff regularly share advice and tips for children's home learning. For example, they offer 'top tips' that include recipe ideas for healthy meals and suggestions for activities, such as dough with tools, to support children's dexterity."

“The manager and staff support children's positive behaviour particularly well. They act as good role models and provide explanations to help children understand turn taking.

“Staff share stories with children that lead to discussions about feelings and behaviour. Children receive praise and reward for acts of kindness.”

"Myself and all the staff are really pleased with our Ofsted ‘Good’ rating,” Ms Pocock said.

“We work really hard to provide a family-orientated setting where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued and where we are committed to help every child grow, gain new skills, achieve their best whilst having lots of fun.

“We are thrilled that Ofsted highlighted all these things in their report."