LEA commentary on school performance for each of the schools

Berrywood Primary School

In January 2000, OfSTED reported that this school is very good and effective and that it provides very good value for money. In particular very positive judgements were made about leadership and management, the high quality of teaching and the curriculum which provides well for children's all round development in a rich, stimulating and creative environment. Consequently children achieved very high academic and personal standards. These judgements are borne out by the LEA which judges that the school continues to improve and that it is highly effective in both its provision and the outcomes for children.

Botley Church of England (Controlled) Primary School

In February 2002, OfSTED reported that this school is good and that it provides an effective education for its pupils. In particular, positive comments were made about how well children achieve in all subjects. This was explained by the good quality of teaching throughout the school and the effective teamwork amongst the staff. Continued monitoring by the LEA supports the view that this is an effective school which is good at identifying its strengths and its development priorities. It is a school where creativity and independence in children's learning are highly valued. The school has rigorous systems by which it evaluates the quality of provision and well laid plans to tackle any deficiencies. The school is well and managed by the headteacher in close partnership with other leaders in the school.

Freegrounds Infant School

In April 2002, OfSTED reported that this is a good school with standards at the end of Year 2 that are well above average. This was the result of a strong sense of teamwork amongst staff that resulted in good quality teaching and very positive attitudes amongst the children. The LEA view of the school is that it continues to be an effective school with some very good features and an awareness of what it needs to do to continue to improve. The school is well and managed by the headteacher in close partnership with other leaders in the school.

Freegrounds Junior School

In March 2004, OfSTED reported that this is a good school that continues to improve. Pupils achieve well by the end of Year 6 in response to good teaching. Leadership and management are good overall and this results in a very effective team of staff and governors. Because of the high quality of support from the staff, pupils show excellent attitudes and behaviour. Provision for pupils' moral and social development is excellent and the school has a very effective ethos for learning. Ongoing monitoring by the LEA supports these views that the school is making very good improvements in all aspects of its provision.

Kings Copse Primary School

In May 2004, OfSTED reported that this is a good school where all pupils achieve well because of the good quality of teaching. In particular the report comments on the very good ethos of the school in which pupils are very happy and well cared for; on the very good leadership and management of all who carry such responsibility, including the governors; on pupils' very good behaviour; and on the schools' partnership with parents. The LEA also recognises this school as being highly effective because of the good progress made by most pupils and the excellent support that the school provides to meet the needs of all children.

Shamblehurst Primary School

In February 2003, OfSTED reported that this is a popular and effective school that provides a very caring environment for its pupils. By the end of Year 6, pupils achieve above average standards in English and mathematics. Pupils have good attitudes to learning and show interest and enthusiasm for their work. The quality of teaching and learning are good with a lot of very good teaching in Years 4 to 6. Leadership and management are excellent and the staff and governors work hard to ensure that the school continues to build and develop on its many strengths. Subsequent monitoring by the LEA shows that the school continues to improve and is highly effective with many very good features. In particular, it provides and exciting and enriched learning environment for all children.

St James' Church of England Primary School, West End

In January 2004, OfSTED reported that this is an effective school where standards are above average in English, mathematics and art and rising quickly in science and information and communication technology. Pupils' behaviour and attitudes are positive and these contribute to the strong work ethic. The quality of teaching is good overall which is why achievement is good across the school. Leadership is very good, is open and honest and constantly seeks improvement. The LEA concurs with these views and is particularly impressed by the culture of collaboration that exists in the school and the teachers' ready and enthusiastic approach to the changes needed to ensure continued improvement.