Ascot Road Primary School delighted with Ofsted report

Ascot Road Primary School was inspected across two days in May and and another in last month before the report was published yesterday (November 19).

Headteacher Natalie Beere told the Watford Observer: "We are thrilled to receive this 'good' Ofsted rating, which reflects the hard work of our dedicated staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the invaluable support of our families.

Headteacher Natalie Beere with pupils (Image: Danes Educational Trust) "At Ascot Road Primary School, we take pride in providing a supportive and stimulating setting where children can thrive both academically and personally."

Schools are no longer given one-word ratings, rather individual grades across five categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.

Inspectors noted that the school near Holywell has acted well to "quickly reverse the decline in standards" found during Ofsted's last ungraded inspection in February 2023.

• Ofsted: Bluebell Pre School rated 'good' in all areas
• Ofsted: Breakspeare School 'outstanding in all areas'

The report says: "A knowledgeable and dedicated team has lifted academic belief in what pupils can do. The trust’s strategic actions have brought widespread change for the better and trustees robustly hold the new school leadership team to account." 

Pupils at the school are described as "enthusiastic and happy learners", who are keen to take on extra responsibilities.

Reception children at Ascot Road Primary School. (Image: Danes Educational Trust) Inspectors praised the "high standards" Ascot Road sets for its pupils, as well as the behaviour of students.

The report notes that educational standards are "significantly rising" at the school, which currently has 388 pupils on its roll aged four to 11.

Inspectors found that pupils with special educational needs (SEND) are "well supported", with personal learning plans in place to help teachers devise key targets and strategies for each pupil with additional needs.

Pupils were also found to enjoy the trips they go on and talks from school visitors - such as one based on the Second World War which had them "eagerly" listening. 

Safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective.