First preference primary school places offered to 91% of Reading families
Ninety-one per cent of Reading parents have been offered a place at their first preference primary school for their child this year.
And 98% of Reading parents have been offered one of their top three preferred primary schools.
Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), which delivers education services in Reading, has ensured all primary school pupils in the borough have a place for September.
BFfC received 1,727 applications for primary school places this year compared with 1,844 in 2022.
The number of families being offered their first preference school increased from 89% last year.
A transfer from infant to junior school was needed for 132 pupils in Reading and 97% of on-time applicants received their first preference.
Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “I am delighted we have been able to offer almost all Reading families a place at one of their top three preferred primary schools this year.
“We have also worked hard to make sure a place was found for every child whose parents applied for a primary school place in Reading.
“We send our best wishes to all the children who will be experiencing the excitement of starting in their primary school this September.”
Reading primary school offers 2023-2022
| Offers | 2023
(%) |
2022
(%) |
2023
(pupil numbers) |
2022
(pupil numbers) |
| 1st preference | 91% | 89% | 1,574 | 1,641 |
| 2nd preference | 6% | 6.5% | 99 | 120 |
| 3rd preference | 1% | 2% | 19 | 36 |
| 4th preference | 0.5% | 0.5% | 9 | 9 |
| Offered divert | 1.5% | 2% | 26 | 38 |
Studying A Levels
“Where is your essay?!” “Have you done your homework?” “Deadline’s in two days!”
Imagine hearing, reading, dreaming these words almost every day, ceaselessly for two years. These words overload and override your brain, torment you daily and nightly, an attack on your conscience which threatens to crack under the strain and stress of everything SCHOOL.
I, for one, can relate. Beginning my A-levels made me feel so grown up, ready to take on the academic and personal challenge of sixth form life. The resolve with which I begun my A-levels slowly crumbled over time, and if it weren’t for my teachers, family, and social workers constantly encouraging and reminding me, I would not be where I am now.
As an English Literature student, I was expected to write multiple essays and complete coursework, which were integral to my overall grade. I began to procrastinate, pushing away all my responsibilities until it was too late. Or so it seemed to me as I became hopeless, ready to give in to the very real possibility of being kicked off my course.
But! Alas, my knight in shining armour (aka both of my English teachers AND my registration tutor) all came galloping to my rescue, upon their majestic white horses of unlimited wisdom and knowledge! You can empathise when I say that I absolutely did not want to comply with my teachers.
Despite this, they persisted, and somehow managed to convince me to stay after school every day for two weeks (!!!) and work on my coursework with them. Once I had finally completed this very important piece of work, you can imagine how optimistic I began to feel about the world again. It felt as though I’d been at the gym for too long and had finally put down the 80kg weights I was lifting, finally able to smile again in class, finally stopped avoiding my teachers, finally stopped bursting into tears at every silly situation. Finally I could move forward.
And so, I spent hours and hours working excessively in the art block (where I felt most comfortable) finishing off yet another important essay, and writing my personal statement for university. Yes! I wouldn’t be suspended from my course, I would achieve my highest potential and I would go to uni!
I became my happy, bubbly and loud self again and threw myself into my work, doing the thing I enjoyed most: painting. The nerve-wracking experience of revising and sitting my A Level exams, the positively turbulent organisation of my art show, which would be reviewed and graded by an invigilator. This was all worth the hassle for the attributes I acquired over the time.
I learnt responsibility, time management, amazing critical and analytical skills which will stay with me forever, and A Level results which exceeded my expectations.
I achieved an A* in art, a C in Psychology and a D in English. While these don’t sound like the best grade combination, it’s important to remember that I did the best I could considering everything which was going on in my personal life, and I did amazingly in the subject that mattered the most. I’m very proud of myself and really encourage every other child out there to aspire to be as great as they can be!
I am now at the University of Sunderland, doing a foundation Diploma in Art and Design, and loving every second of it. Besides that, the best part is I live with brilliant flatmates who make every moment of my life here on forward magical, and I couldn’t have done it all without the help of my teachers and foster family. Thank you for reading my article.
Support for pupils as part of Reading’s Holiday Activity and Food initiative
Brighter Futures for Children & Reading Borough Council press release
Holiday camps across Reading will once again be providing a wide variety of exciting activities this Easter, alongside free lunches, for children who are normally entitled to pupil premium free school meals.
Football, fencing and dance are among the free activities on offer to Reading children through Reading’s Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) scheme during the two-week school break.
Hundreds of young people who are eligible for the HAF scheme, run by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), can take part in holiday camps provided by organisations ranging from Reading FC to Little Musketeers, and from Sport in Mind to Make Sense Theatre.
Families need to register to access HAF activities every new holiday season, even if they have done so previously. The registration form and details of all the Easter holiday camps can be found at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/for-parents-carers/schools/haf/.
Lara Patel, Reading’s Director of Children’s Services, said:
“There are so many different activities on offer to children over the Easter school holidays, I think there is something to interest everyone. Parents will also be assured that their children will receive a tasty, nutritious lunch at the camps, as well as keeping active and making new friends.
“I would encourage eligible families to register now and get their child booked on to one of these exciting activities.”
BFfC co-ordinates HAF on behalf of Reading Borough Council and the scheme is funded by the Department for Education.
Separately, it was recently confirmed that Reading Borough Council will receive £2,261,298 from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of phase 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF) scheme, which covers the next financial year.
The national Household Support Fund initiative has evolved since it was first introduced in December 2020 as the Covid Winter Grant. At this point the fund was predominantly focused on provision of food support for families during school holidays. Since then, what central Government require councils to focus spending the money on has greatly changed. As the national cost of living crisis has worsened, the emphasis has changed to providing support for residents who have been worst impacted by the increase in energy costs and, specifically, to include households with older people in need of support.
As a result of these national changes, last year the Council combined the energy and food voucher schemes into one Cost of Living voucher. This approach provided added flexibility to residents who could redeem their voucher for cash and choose how to use the funds according to their individual needs.
Council officers are now in the process of developing a new scheme to ensure the most recently allocated funding gets to residents who need the most support during the on-going cost of living crisis. Details of the scheme must be sent to Central Government (DWP) by May 17 and will be widely publicised to residents as soon as possible in May.
Pinecroft children’s home rated ‘Outstanding’
A children's home for Reading young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Inspectors gave Pinecroft in south Reading top marks for the overall experience and progress of children and young people at the home, how they are helped and protected and for the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
Pinecroft has become the second children’s home run by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) to be awarded an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating this year following the earlier inspection of Cressingham.
Shared care support is now provided to Reading families at Pinecroft, which means children receive a three-night stay before returning to their family home for eight nights. The Ofsted report says there has been unanimous positive feedback about the impact this service has had on children and their families.
The inspector said: “Staff offer highly-personalised and well-planned care that meets children’s individual needs exceptionally well. Staff gain the views of children, which are central to all aspects of their care and activities while at the home.”
The home underwent an upgrade to improve its facilities last year which, the report says, has resulted in an “exceptional outdoor space for children” and a new sensory room containing modern and innovative technology which encourages children to play.
The inspector notes how staff demonstrate an excellent understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities of the children in their care and that they manage their emotional and behavioural needs very well.
The management team is “strong and highly effective” and supported by a committed staff team who work together extremely well, the report says.
It continues that skilled managers offer brilliant support to staff which means that children are looked after by a highly capable workforce.
Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “I’m thrilled the wonderful team at Pinecroft have received the acknowledgement they deserve for their commitment and dedication to the children in their care.
“Pinecroft is a very special place and I am so proud that we have such a brilliant resource to offer the children of Reading and their families.”
Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Lead Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “When visiting Pinecroft, I was immediately struck by the passion and commitment of staff to make a huge difference to the lives of the children who stay there. I’m delighted by the rightful recognition of their fantastic commitment and hard work that shines out of this report.
“Alongside our fantastic staff, the recently upgraded facilities are providing truly exceptional space for children with SEND and their families. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Inspectors visited Pinecroft 10 & 11 January. The full Ofsted report can be found at: Ofsted | 2502334
Preferred secondary school places offered to 95% of pupils
Technical problems with the admissions portal meant that parents were unable to access their children’s school place offer online on Wednesday morning. This was due to both a national issue with the IT system we use and issues with the local implementation of the new system.
We would like to apologise to parents and children for any anxiety this caused.
The admissions portal is now working and emails were also sent to parents with secondary school place offers for their children on Wednesday.
Ninety-five per cent of Reading students have been offered a place in one of their preferred secondary schools this year.
Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) received 1,958 applications for secondary school places and has ensured that all pupils have a place in September.
The percentage of pupils being offered a place in their first preference school increased from 69% to 74% this year.
Ninety-two per cent of pupils will be going to one of their top three preferred schools. The percentage not allocated to any of their preferences is 5% compared with 7% last year.
Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “I am pleased that we are offering so many Reading children a place at one of their preferred secondary schools this year.
“Our Admissions Team has worked hard to ensure all 1,958 applicants have a school place this September and we will continue to work with Reading Borough Council and other partners to keep up with future demand for secondary places in the borough.
“It is such an exciting time for children when they start at secondary schools and we would like to send our best wishes to all Reading pupils in their new schools.”
Cllr Ruth McEwan, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “Almost all Reading children will be able to look forward to starting at one of their preferred secondary schools in September.
“We continue to plan for the future with the construction of the new River Academy progressing well and with further investment in our existing school properties.”
Smiles all round for Reading SEND Local Offer
More than 90% of people who contacted an information service for Reading families who have children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) found it helpful or very helpful, new figures show.
A survey about the Reading SEND Local Offer, provided by Brighter Futures for Children, was completed by 10 times more people than last year with a vast majority giving the service a thumbs-up.
One lucky Reading mum who responded was picked out the hat to win a £50 shopping voucher which she collected with her son last week (see picture).
The Reading SEND Local Offer aims to provide clear, comprehensive and accessible information about all support and services available to Reading families with children with SEND
A total of 636 parent carers, young people, voluntary organisations and professionals took part in the annual survey this year compared with 63 in 2022.
Of those who had used the service, 97% said they found the information they were looking for and 93% said they found it helpful or very helpful.
The Reading SEND Local Offer website was given a major refresh last November and its comprehensive information, look and feel and ease of navigation were among the top features users liked.
Families also said they would like the site to have more advice and guidance, more information on support services and on activities available.
Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “We really wanted to hear from as many people as possible so we can continually improve the SEND Local Offer, so we made a big effort to publicise the survey far and wide. We also offered a £50 shopping voucher as an added incentive for people to take part.
“We were thrilled with the response and delighted that so many families who use the service were so positive.
“However, this certainly does not mean we are complacent. People have told us what improvements could be made and we will focus on those areas so we can be an even better source of advice and information for Reading families with children with SEND.”
Visit the Reading SEND Local Offer at: Reading Directory | Special Educational Needs & Disabilities - Reading's Local Offer.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Picture: Mum Carla and her son Noah were both very happy to collect their £50 shopping voucher after winning the Reading SEND Local Offer annual survey prize draw.
- The Reading SEND Local Offer annual survey was co-produced with Reading Families’ Forum and ran in November and December 2022.
- The Local Offer annual report and survey results can be found at: Reading Directory | Local Offer Feedback & Consultations
- In November 2022, the Reading Family Information Service, which provides the Reading SEND Local Offer, won the award for Best Community Engagement at the National Association of Family Information Services Coram Family & Childcare Conference. The team was named the Best SEND Local Offer in the country the previous year.
Reading children’s home judged ‘Outstanding’
A children’s home that provides short breaks for Reading children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has been judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The inspector praised Cressingham, in south Reading, for providing highly effective services that contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help, protection and care.
The judgement came following a two-day inspection in October 2022 and is the third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating for the home while being run by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC).
The overall experiences and progress of children and young people at the home was rated ‘Outstanding’.
The inspector said: “Staff love and value the children for their unique personalities. They know the children’s likes and dislikes extremely well and arrange activities and outings to suit, such as visiting the beach and going on train rides.”
She praised the “long serving, committed and skilled staff” for understanding children’s needs and vulnerabilities extremely well and helping them to grow in confidence and develop as independent individuals.
How well children and young people are helped and protected was also judged ‘Outstanding’.
The inspector said: “Children are safe and are very happy visiting the home. They show this through their smiles and constant interaction with staff.”
She also noted how staff work collaboratively with other professionals, parents and family members to gain insight into each child’s complex needs and communication barriers.
The effectiveness of leaders and managers was rated ‘Good’.
The registered manager of the home was praised for being experienced, dynamic and skilled in managing a children’s short break setting and for working incredibly hard to build positive relationships with children, staff and parents.
Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Cressingham for achieving this well-deserved ’Outstanding’ Ofsted rating.
“We are extremely proud of the team for the care and commitment they show towards the children and young people who love visiting the home.
“It is a joy to read the inspector’s comments about her positive time at Cressingham, which mirrors the experience of the children and young people who visit.”
The full Ofsted report is available at: Ofsted | 2502333
Give the gift of home this Christmas
A festive campaign encouraging Reading people to consider giving the gift of home to a vulnerable child has been launched by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) this week.
The 12 Days of Christmas social media campaign highlights the fact that individuals or families could be fostering a child and giving them a stable, safe, loving home next Christmas if they enquire now.
Each day the campaign will be focusing on a different aspect of fostering, such as the attributes you need, the benefits of having a foster child in your life and busting some fostering myths.
The campaign on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn started on Tuesday 13 December and will run until Christmas Eve.
Di Smith, Board Chair of BFfC, said: “Christmas is a time for giving and I cannot think of many better gifts than providing a vulnerable child or young person with a safe, loving home.
“Friends and family are particularly in our thoughts at this time of year but sadly there are children who will not be experiencing the magic and joy of Christmas they deserve.
“We need more foster carers in Reading to ensure vulnerable Reading children can stay close to their families and friends. If you enquire about fostering with us now, you could be giving a child or young person their best ever Christmas next year.”
BFfC’s Fostering service is an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ provider which operates as a not-for-profit agency on behalf of Reading Borough Council.
Please visit: https://www.readingfostering.co.uk/, email: foster@brighterfuturesforchildren.org or phone: 0118 469 3020 for more information about fostering.
Appointment of new, permanent Director of Children’s Services for Reading
Reading Borough Council & Brighter Futures for Children press release
Reading Borough Council (RBC) and Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) are delighted to announce the appointment of Lara Patel as the new, permanent Director of Children’s Services (DCS) for Reading.
Lara, who has more than 25 years’ experience working across local authority and voluntary sector children’s services, joins us from her current role as Deputy Director of Children’s Services for Oxfordshire County Council.
Lara will spend 20% of her time with her primary employer – Reading Borough Council – and 80% with Brighter Futures for Children - the children’s service alternative delivery model company, owned by RBC but independent of it. She will sit on the senior leadership teams of both and will also be an executive member of the BFfC Board.
The DCS role is a statutory appointment and Lara replaces Deborah Glassbrook, who was appointed in October 2019 and retired in June this year. BFfC’s Director of Education, Brian Grady, has stepped up as interim DCS while the new appointment process was under way.
Lara has led the delivery of a wide range of strategic and operational children’s services at local, regional and national levels, for both local authorities and The Children’s Society. She has also held positions as both a Board Director and a Trustee.
“We are delighted that Lara will be joining us as the new DCS for Reading,’ said Di Smith, Executive Director and Board Chair for BFfC.
“Lara has significant experience of leading change, working in partnership with staff and partners and a solid track record of developing strong collaborative partnerships, internally and externally.”
Leader of Reading Borough Council Cllr Jason Brock said: “We have been fortunate to find a new Director of Children’s Services with Lara’s experience, in-depth knowledge of children’s social care and passion for improving the delivery of children’s services in Reading.
“During these challenging times it is more important than ever that good quality services are provided to children, young people and their families in Reading. I look forward to welcoming Lara as she takes the lead in this vital role.”
Lara will be joining the teams at Reading Borough Council and Brighter Futures for Children early in the new year.
Upgrade of online services directory for Reading families
BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR CHILDREN & READING BOROUGH COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE
Reading’s online directory which provides information for families, adults and parent carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has undergone a major make over.
The Reading Services Guide has a completely new look and feel but still contains all the award-winning information, advice and guidance residents have come to expect.
The guide includes the Reading Family Information Service (FIS) and SEND Local Offer, provided by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), and Adult & Carers Support, provided by Reading Borough Council.
- Reading FIS provides free, impartial information, advice and guidance for families with children aged between 0-18 (up to 25 for young people with SEND).
- Reading SEND Local Offer helps families find information about local services, support, activities and events for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND
- Adult & Carers Support Services helps adults find advice, care and support services, plus a range of social groups and leisure activities.
BFfC and Reading council have consulted with user groups, such as Reading Families’ Forum, on the design of the upgraded website to make it as accessible and user-friendly as possible.
The refreshed website will be easier for users to navigate and find relevant information whether they are on a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone.
Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “There is a phenomenal amount of information on the Reading Services Guide so it is important that it is as easy as possible for families to find what they are looking for.
“Reading’s excellent FIS/SEND Local Offer was named the Best SEND Local Offer in a national awards ceremony in November 2021. The refresh of the online directory will make the overall service even better for Reading’s families.”
Reading's Family Information Service (FIS) also won the award for Best Community Engagement, at the National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS), Coram Family & Childcare conference earlier this month.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, said: “The Reading Services Guide is a vital source of information for residents looking for advice or details of care services and support groups in the area.
“Individuals can find out about the support available to live at home, staying healthy and well, finding work or training and much more. The new-look website will make it even easier for people to find the information they want and access the help they need.”
You can reach the home page of the Reading Services Guide here: Reading Directory
The Family Information Service can additionally be accessed via its own URL: www.readingfis.org and the Reading SEND Local Offer via its own link: www.readingsendlocaloffer.org.
ENDS