Thank you to all the parents who took the time to complete the online survey. Whilst the number of parents who took part was lower than last year, every comment and view is still important to us. It also shows that most parents are delighted with all that goes on in school!
We were also delighted with the vast number of parents who completed the parent survey for Ofsted back in December- even the Ofsted inspectors were impressed with the number of responses so once again, thank you.
As you know the survey asks for parents’ opinions on the following areas:
• Satisfaction with the school curriculum, teaching, behaviour and communication with parents
• Perceived effectiveness of the school’s approaches on key issues such as anti-bullying, homework and SEN
• Perceptions of how well the school encourages children to work hard at school, be healthy and treat others with respect Perceptions on progression, standard of teaching, happiness of child and support when joining the school
• Satisfaction with how the school creates a safe environment and provides a healthy dinner menu
• Perceived effectiveness of school leaders
• Overall satisfaction with the school and whether they would recommend it
• Open responses to what is good and what could be improved in the school
Areas of strength
Most parents believe:
• The school provides good support for parents in assisting their child's learning at home.
• Children are well-supported by the school when they first join
• The school encourages children to help people in the local area
• The school provides good pastoral care
• Parents' evenings are useful and informative
• The school’s test results are very good
• The school teaches children skills they will need for the future
• The school's approach to special educational needs is very effective; pupils and parents feel supported by staff
• The school's sports’ facilities and provisions are excellent
• Staff have a consistent and effective approach in dealing with behavioural issues
• The school’s canteen provides a wide variety of food
• The Headteacher and staff do an amazing job
• The clubs and extra-curricular activities are excellent and enjoyed by many pupils
ISSUES RAISED:
Out-of-school hours clubs and activities including breakfast.
We do understand that working parents need childcare. However, this is something we cannot provide as we have limited space but more importantly, limited adult supervision. Staff already work tirelessly before, during and after school not to mention weekends and holidays! So wraparound care is certainly something that the Governing Body are not keen to pursue at this stage.
Amount of homework, particularly in Reception Class
The homework in Reception class can be overwhelming at first but a consistent approach can make the experience positive for all and it is important that pupils get into the habit of doing homework. Please do not hesitate to talk to your child’s teacher if you need support or advice. We know that the effort put into homework, in Reception, really pays off when they reach KS2.
Greater range of reading books in the library
Reading will be a focus on the School Development Plan next year so reading books will be look at closely.
Feedback on assessment results
As you may be aware, levels are no longer used to assess pupils’ ability in Primary schools. We are now working with the assessment model set out by Herts for Learning. All assessment will be age-related and pupils will be judged on whether they have: entering, developing, securing or mastering knowledge of the skills required for their age group. This is what is and will continue to be reported home in the end of year reports and at Parents’ Evenings.
It is always a pleasure to see and read that so many parents are delighted with the work that goes on in school. They appreciate all the hard work that goes into ensuring that their children are happy and are focused in their learning.
Mrs Driver and the Governors value your comments and opinions and please rest assured that every concern is looked into and we hope that many more of you will take part in the next parents’ survey.
Best wishes
Funda Shibli
(Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of Learning and Teaching Committee)