‘Pupils are not getting the education they deserve’ – that’s the damning verdict from Ofsted inspectors after visiting a Reading primary school.

Redlands Primary School in Lydford Road, East Reading, was recently visited by Ofsted inspectors.

While inspectors found the school to be inclusive, they judged that pupils are not getting ‘the education they deserve’.

According to an inspection report, pupils do not learn as well as they should at the school because parts of the curriculum are not well established.

While teachers are praised for learning on pronunciation and fostering an appetite for reading, other areas of the curriculum requires focus.

READ MORE: 'They cannot close the schools' - support for teachers as hundreds strike in Reading

Ofsted inspectors rated the school ‘Requires Improvement’ and laid out what is needed for it to reinstate the ‘Good’ rating it achieved at its last full inspection in 2012.

Responding to the findings of the report, headteacher Theresa Buttery noted positive points.

The headteacher was pleased that inspectors recognised the part that children play in the daily life of the school.  Inspectors noted: “There is an atmosphere of acceptance and respect and that pupils genuinely appreciate each other as individuals and learn to view their differences as strengths.”

Staff in school clearly care about the children and this is recognised in the report as it is noted that ‘pupils benefit from opportunities to develop personally’.

Mrs Buttery said: “The report details the many positive areas at Redlands Primary School and Nursery. However, it correctly highlights the areas that require improvement and the next steps needed to take the school forward.”

She added that work had begun on a development plan, prior to the inspection, and is being implemented.

The headteacher judged that the pace of implementation, and the school’s ability to demonstrate the impact of recent changes, are key to raising standards swiftly.

Mrs Buttery said: “While we know it will be disappointing, we believe the overall judgement of ‘Requires Improvement’ is right at this time.

“The feedback we received during the inspection reflected our assessment and highlighted that we are focusing on the right areas of improvement for Redlands to rapidly become the unquestionably ‘Good’ school we all want it to be.  This work was recognised by Ofsted in that ‘new leaders have got a firm grasp on what needs to improve’.”

Thanking parents for their support, Mrs Buttery added: “A school is built by a community working together for the benefit of its pupils, in partnership.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure that all children are receiving the education they deserve and to support the rapid improvements that are under way at Redlands.”

The Ofsted report was published on Thursday, February 2, after the inspection took place on December 6 and 7 2022. It was conducted by inspectors Jo Brinkley and James Broadbridge.