Keep Hatch Primary School, located in Wokingham, Berkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 21 and 22, 2023. Under the leadership of headteacher Claire Appleby, the school is part of the LDBS Frays Academy Trust, which provides additional oversight and support. The trust is led by CEO Chris Cole and a board of trustees chaired by Angie Brett.
The school fosters an environment where pupils thrive and develop a passion for learning from an early age. Parents commend the strong relationships that students build with staff, contributing to a nurturing atmosphere where pupils feel safe and valued. The school emphasizes high expectations, resulting in positive behavior and an engaging learning environment. In the early years, children are encouraged to play cooperatively, sharing resources and ideas, which enhances their social skills.
Keep Hatch Primary offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with high participation rates in clubs such as fencing, French, and Calm Club. Older students take pride in their responsibilities, including initiatives like the Eco team, which has successfully created a school eco-garden with local business support. The school also provides opportunities for performance, such as participation in the choir and the annual Musical Soiree.
The curriculum at Keep Hatch is ambitious and designed to equip pupils for future challenges. It has been recently refined to ensure that knowledge is sequenced effectively across subjects, allowing for deeper understanding. For instance, in history, students explore key concepts that connect different periods, while in art, they engage with various mediums, resulting in high-quality displays of their work. However, there are still some subjects where the curriculum needs further specification regarding the knowledge pupils should acquire.
Reading is a significant focus at the school, with pupils encouraged to read widely and often. The early years program effectively introduces phonics, enabling children to quickly learn to read. Throughout the school, students engage with increasingly complex texts from diverse cultures, and storytime is a cherished activity that brings literature to life.
Overall, pupils achieve well across the curriculum, with staff adept at breaking down complex ideas to enhance understanding. Assessment practices are effective, allowing teachers to tailor support and challenges to meet individual needs. The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they receive appropriate assistance.
The school also prioritizes personal, social, and health education, reinforcing key messages through assemblies and lessons. Pupils learn about healthy relationships and are encouraged to express their concerns, fostering a respectful and inclusive community. The leadership team is well-informed about the school's strengths and areas for improvement, demonstrating a commitment to equality and access for all students.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for continued refinement of the curriculum in certain foundation subjects to ensure clarity in the knowledge that pupils are expected to learn. This ongoing development will help maintain the high standards that Keep Hatch Primary School has established, ensuring that it continues to provide an excellent education for its students.
