Clifton Hampden school gets sixth good Ofsted in a row

Inspectors visited Clifton Hampden Church of England Primary School on October 15 and published their report of the visit on November 13.

The school has never received any other rating from the inspections body.

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The inspections body said: “Parents and carers told us this is a kind and caring school where teachers strive to make learning fun. We agree.’’

Pupils were described as good listeners who successfully build on each other’s ideas and enjoy social time without having to worry about bullies.

Headteacher Lisa Horton was praised for successfully integrating pupils and staff who had joined from a nearby school since it was last inspected.

In 2016 the school partnered with Culham Parochial CE School under the banner of the Thames Bridge Foundation, enabling them to share a headteacher, resources and become more sustainable.

On November 21, councillors agreed Culham School will close and merge with Clifton Hampden, after pupil numbers at the former fell tio just 15.

Ofsted said: “Staff told us that being all together at one school has helped them to work as a team. Pupils said their initial worries quickly disappeared as they were welcomed by new friends.’’

They said pupils gained a good grounding in core subjects of English and Maths from the get-go, with phonics (pronunciation) being taught ‘very well’.

Learning for pupils with special educational needs was broken down into manageable steps.

They were described as polite and respectful, with a good understanding of different beliefs and values.

Safeguarding practices were described as 'effective'.

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The inspections body said that occasionally pupils were not being stretched to their full potential.

It said: "Occasionally the reading book system impedes the older pupils from reading more challenging books they can access.

"They do not provide enough opportunities for pupils to extend their learning (in maths) by using it to investigate or solve problems. When this happens, pupils can sometimes be a bit too easy."

Headteacher Lisa Horton said: “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole staff team who have made this a success. It was particularly pleasing that the report highlights the successful integration of the children from Cullham.

‘’The team and the children have had to embrace a lot of change recently and need congratulating for how they have responded.’’