Maidenhead & Windsor

Ofsted inspectors who spent two days in Datchet St Mary’s C E Primary School recently have given it top marks, not only describing it as ‘outstanding’ but agreeing with a pupil who wrote: ‘I think our school is extraordinary because it caters for our own uniqueness’.

The comment, says the inspection report, captures the essence of the Windsor and Maidenhead school, where achievement is outstanding for all 251 pupils, whatever their backgrounds or abilities. Overall they make excellent progress and attain well above average standards – in fact, based on their achievements, value added data puts Datchet St Mary’s among the highest performing schools in the country, a position it has maintained over the past few years.

The Windsor and Maidenhead school, which caters not only for local children but also for those from the travelling community (most of them of Romany or Gypsy heritage), has been rated Grade 1 (outstanding) in every category in the inspection report.

The inspectors write: “A majority of children enter school with attainment that is below average, particularly for boys in communication, language and literacy. From this starting point excellent teaching in the Foundation Stage enables all children to make rapid progress. Teaching is outstanding in all other year groups and as a consequence, this rapid progress is maintained. Pupils who are new to the school soon settle, make friends and achieve extremely well.”

‘Outstanding’ is also used to describe pupils’ personal development and well-being and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Their behaviour, attitudes, commitment and enjoyment of learning are exemplary. Racial harmony is very strong and relationships at all levels are excellent.

“These factors make a significant contribution to the well above average standards pupils attain and their achievements across an excellent, exciting and relevant curriculum,” the report continues.

There is praise too for the Windsor and Maidenhead ‘outstanding’ leadership and management that underpin all that the school achieves. The report adds: “The headteacher and senior managers are excellent role models in their commitment to meeting the needs of all pupils. There is outstanding team spirit and staff are not complacent about the high standards.”

Almost all parents have a very positive view of the school, with one quoted in the report as saying: ‘The school deserves to be highly commended. It is a wonderful school with a friendly, caring and understanding approach to each child’s needs.’.

The inspectors make just one recommendation to help the school improve even further – improve standards in writing for boys to bring them more in line with the very high standards attained by girls.

A delighted chair of governors, Rev Chris Mattock, said the report was a fine tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the school community.

He said: “We are a team here at Datchet St Mary’s – from the very youngest pupil to the oldest governor and member of staff. We work together for the good of each other and we share our problems and successes. This close and supportive environment is the cornerstone of the school’s achievements.”

Jean Pinkerton, headteacher, said she and her staff were thrilled by the outcome of the inspection. She added: “We are delighted that the inspectors really appreciated the ethos of the school and gave us such a glowing report. There is a lot of hard work going on in Datchet St Mary’s but we never forget that learning should be a joy and we have a well-developed sense of fun!”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead