Boy, 10, dies after ‘choking incident’ at primary school

His family have paid tribute to a 'kind and curious' boy

Oscar Roome was rushed to hospital from Kidmore End CE Primary School in Caversham, Reading after choking during lunchtime on Friday.

Despite the best efforts of the staff present they were unable to save Roome, who lost consciousness and died the following day while surrounded by his family.

An inquest into the death is set to begin at Oxford Coroner's Court today (Wednesday June 28).

In an emotional statement, Oscar's family paid tribute to a "kind and curious" boy who was "just starting to blossom".

They continued: "Staff at Kidmore End, especially Mr. Heritage (Year 5), and Miss Dove (Year 6), encouraged Oscar to engage and explore. He did just that.

"In all that he did, whatever field it was, he brought an infectious curiosity, a thirst not just for knowledge but for understanding, and a desire to learn and share.

"Yet he retained a kindness and humility in everything he did. We, his parents, and his siblings, are heartbroken.

"We cannot thank staff and pupils at Kidmore End enough for their efforts to assist Oscar on Friday, nor indeed for their belief in Oscar's abilities right from his first day in Foundation.

"Praise and thanks should also be given to the ambulance crews, police, air ambulance crew and the teams at the Royal Berkshire and John Radcliffe Hospitals for their tireless efforts and empathy. They are all amazing people.

"Oscar will always be remembered for his kindness, cheeky smile, sense of humour, and humble intelligence. We love you, Oscar."

Martina Parsons, interim executive headteacher of Kidmore End CE Primary, also paid tribute on behalf of the staff at the school.

"A true gentle soul, Oscar always welcomed you with a cheery good morning and asked how you were.

"He loved his family and talked about them in school regularly.

"We have an incredibly strong school community and we will be doing our utmost to support Oscar's family, our pupils and staff as we come to terms with what has happened together."

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