Voice and Vision Evening. Finmere CE Primary School October 2013

Objectives: To review the vision together To consider the strengths and areas for development To give a brief overview of attainment and progress To work together to ensure further improvement

In 2012 parents wanted to know: Where the school is ‘going?’ How is the teaching and school structure going to be in the future? The progress and attainment – will my child reach their full potential? Where should my child be? How I can support my child with their learning? Homework and how I can help? Where the school has progressed to? How will the school further improve? How is the school adapting to changes in education (curriculum, Ofsted, structure)? What resources does the school need? How does the school remain inclusive?

Your view. What are the school strengths? What still needs developing?

Parent voice – (from the evening) Strengths - Key messages: Teaching head Feels like a family Communication – e-mails, newsletters, fab! Nice size – especially class numbers – excellent staff pupil ratio Good relationships across all stake holders Staff and children know each other well Accessible & approachable – easy to find the right person Staff on playground every morning Phenomenal levels of support for children who need it Everyone’s opinion is valid – all have a part to play No one gets lost, everyone matters Willingness to try new things Supportive parents Pupils taught by ability not age – mixture of different ages from reception to Y6, yet remaining with their friends

Strengths Continued .. Lots of outdoor learning – Tepee Children have confidence in mixing with older children Brass lessons for KS2 Inclusive Friday Assemblies Opportunities for pupils to present, to perform, to ‘be special’ No bullying FOFSA Consistent staff members Broad curriculum, including outdoor learning & music We all love the homework Personal care for all individual children SEN Provision and support is excellent Staff hear and respond well to specific issues – timely too Creativity in teaching Sweden – beginning of ‘Global’ Some progress of inclusivity – (but still needs development)

Parent voice - (from the evening) Areas for development – Key messages: Addition of a Pre-school/Nursery More children whilst retaining the family feel Possibly 3 classes Profile of the school needs to be sold Parents and teachers selling the school – myth busting After school clubs – wrap around care More men to help Links with other small schools Sports teams More parent helpers To understand SENco All children have access to outdoor learning Head lice extinction Awareness of different cultures/ underprivileged Would be good to hear more discussion with children and less direction – inc variety of view & opinion ‘in association with’

Your children said …. Strengths – Key messages: Team work – community, working together, supporting each other Respect – for each other, for our surroundings Good teaching staff & Headteacher – fun, inspiration, creativity Themes – broad & balanced curriculum Choice & opportunity - able to do things we want to do Responsibility – for our actions, learning Charity – thinking of others, caring Brass lessons – for 4 years

Your children said …. Areas for Development – Key messages: Increase number of pupils – advertise the school Increase the school day Have more reflection spaces & time Improve our listening skills, teamwork, work ethic, focus Cooking lessons Enter more competitions No litter School pet

In brief: 2013 standards rose even further Attainment is in-line with National and Local Authority figures for reading , writing and maths (KS1 SATs & KS2 SATs Results) Progress is in-line with National and Local Authority averages for reading , writing and maths Significantly: Over 1/3 of our pupils exceeded HT challenging targets for reading Almost 1/3 of our pupils exceeded HT challenging targets for writing Below 1/3 of our pupils exceeded HT challenging targets for maths

What makes a good learner?

Parent Voice – (from the meeting) A good listener Interest Presentation Environment – use it to learn & be inspired by it Questions Confidence – to explore, to make mistakes, to ask questions, to make a statement Knowing how to ask a question Research – you expand knowledge Encouragement Recall – facts & application of facts Record Ability to make statements Well rested & well fed Inquisitiveness – curiosity A good teacher – encouraging & supportive

Parent voice continued … Stamina & resilience Self fulfilment & sense of achievement (rather than to please others) Confidence to challenge (e.g. authority - life skills – needing to constructively challenge appropriately Different methods of learning/ routes to understanding Support from home – class - school – teachers – peers Comfortable and safe in themselves and in their environment The only ‘criticism’ should be constructive Be acknowledged/engaged/valued Open minded Eager Having the right resources Having enough time Not being over-whelmed Relaxed Learning at own pace Being able to fiddle

Your children said … Key Messages: Taking responsibility Learning objectives & success criteria Showing interest – joining in Understanding what to do Being brave to make mistakes and learning from them Having someone to discuss work with Listening Having a clear mind Fresh air A good nights sleep Healthy diet

What stops learning?

Your children said … Key messages: Not concentrating Sleep deprivation Food – not enough, or not good enough Uncomfortable shoes Confusion People being silly People shouting out and making the lesson stop, or delayed lesson starts Too many opinions Too many choices

A word from your Chair of Governors …. Key messages: Strong leadership Effective teaching Strong community spirit Confident, polite, well rounded pupils Opportunities for each and every child to shine – (performances, presentations, sport, attainment & progress) Won Bicester Film Festival Strong links with Sweden Leading training for 5 other schools re: Whole School Themes and the Creative Curriculum LA judgement: Good

Success Criteria: Is our vision renewed? Do we know and understand our strengths and areas for development? Do we have an understanding of the attainment and progress achieved? Can we work together to ensure further improvement?

Addition questions – (from the evening) How can parents help their children be confident in their abilities and apply their knowledge? E.g. less about ‘how to’ more about application. Let parents know about ‘helping opportunities’ e.g. with cooking and occasional things as well as regular support like reading. On website suitable website for supported learning Porridge at 10:30 – 11:00 for little ones