Pupils 'not worried about bullying and feel safe' says Parsons Down Ofsted report
Parsons Down Partnership of Schools (PDP) has a lot to celebrate with new facilities opening on its site and a good Ofsted inspection.
The Thatcham school recently held an opening ceremony for the new site comprising both the infant and junior schools.
Head teacher Catherine Bull said these were really exciting times for Parsons Down with local dignitaries, members of West Berkshire Council – which the school works with – and Thatcham mayor Jeff Brooks attending the ribbon cutting.
The site now has a revamped library, multi-use games area, which pupils use for PE and outdoor play, and an early years foundation space, which comes with climbing equipment and water-based play.
The pupils also enjoyed an assembly where they had the opportunity to say thank you through words and song. The younger years also had an extended play time with their family and friends.
“That went really well,” said Mrs Bull.
“The early years foundation space encourages them to explore outdoors, play together, learn together and socialise together.
“It is important for their development.”
The two schools came together on one site and “under one roof”, in a cost-cutting move, from being previously “disjointed”.
This came after pupil admission numbers declined in Thatcham due to wider demographic changes.
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Mrs Bull said the move has brought a sense of togetherness for pupils and staff alike.
The school has also recently received an Ofsted inspection retaining its good school status.
The headteacher and staff were praised for being highly ambitious and pupils are “not worried about bullying and feel safe”.
The report states that pupils enjoy their experience, are proud of being an official “eco-school” and enjoy the outdoors, especially on “fresh air Fridays”.
However some pupils with special educational needs or disabilities are sometimes hindered by teachers who “do not always have the highest expectations of what these pupils can do”.
Mrs Bull, who has worked at the school for 21 years and took over as head in 2019, said she was delighted with the report.
She added: “I am delighted that they [Ofsted] agreed with our own school evaluation and that we have continued to be a good school.
“It is an exciting time to be a part of Parson Down Partnership of Schools.
“Learn together, grow together, succeed together.”
