Date: October 10th @ 9.10am
Parents/Carers Attending:
Jools Witchalls, Alison Shorter, Michelle Saunders, Sharon Pryke, Lisa O Flynn, Lisa Joyce, Fiona Tisbury, Tannja Brkic, Mila Trkulja, Euri Jackson, Charlene Cassell, Janet Toolan
Actions from previous meeting
- None to be actioned
Agenda
- Update following Ofsted visit (judgement is confidential but general comments can be passed on)
- Mrs Smith highlighted some of the key comments from the Ofsted visit. The judgement remains confidential until the report is published, but there are some areas to bring to the attention of parents:
- At all levels the inspectors had commented on the positive impact of the Federation. All staff had said how the relationship with Broadford was a real partnership and it had helped to improve all aspects of Mead.
- Improvement in the quality of teaching and learning was noted by inspectors - they also saw how specific training for support staff and improved their impact in the class. This was particularly true with phonics.
- The results from 2016 were a significant improvement on last year. Inspectors were very keen to see how the school had done so in reading. Evidence from the inspection included: book looks, observations in lessons, conversations with parents, reading records, observations of teaching assistants with pupil groups, chats with different pupils. The overwhelming feedback was the the teaching of and resourcing for reading is a significant strength and the results are evidence of the impact this work is having
- Pupils are well cared for and the positive ethos of the school was very clear to see. Inspectors were very impressed at the level of investment in the building and the new equipment for pupils in EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities in new staffing structure
Mrs Smith explained the new staffing structures and how we now had two senior members of staff - Mrs Pidgeon (EYFS) and Miss Calitz (SEN & Inclusion). Mr Drakes was introduced to parents and he explained how his role was to be strategic between the two schools, while Mrs Smith and Mrs Nicholls had the day to day responsibility for running Mead & Broadford.
- SLT
- Middle leaders
- Class teachers
- Vision & Values refresh for parents
Mrs Smith explained that we have three statements for pupils
- Statements for pupil
- Turn up on time every day
- Do your best in ever lesson
- Be kind and polite to all you meet
- Statements for staff
- Integrity - staff will respect confidentiality where appropriate, act in a professional and courteous way, put the children first and promote the positive ethos of the school
- Inspirational - we will provide a wide range of experiences so that our pupils are enthused about school
- Impact - everything we do must be with the intent of improving pupil outcomes
- Statements for parents
- Parents are expected to have their children ready and prepared for school each morning: fed, warmly dressed, correct equipment and a calm start
- Parents will celebrate their pupil’s achievements: attend parents’ evenings, watch performances, complete their reading record book and read regularly, support with homework and take an interest in their child’s favourite topics.
- Parents will model kind and courteous behaviour to each other, within school and at home so that pupils are clear on the expectations.
- Update on remaining plans for the building
Mrs Smith detailed the improvements that have been made to the building so far: redecorating, new signage, photos of the pupils, gym equipment for the children. However there are many more planned over the coming weeks. Once they are complete we will offer parents the chance to come and look round.
- EYFS - water, mud kitchen & tree house
- KS2 playground
- Parents asked about the stone surface by the gym equipment and if it was going to stay like that. Mrs Smith explained that the surface was designed to allow pupils to use it all year round. We had taken quotes to get a safety surface installed but the cost was too great. We have had safety inspections carried out and there were no recommendations for that area - the site was passed as fine for use. The surface is also identical to that used at Broadford and there have been no issues there.
- KS1 playground
- Feedback from the children during the inspection had shown that they were keen for improvements to this area too. Once funds were available we would look at enhancements: different surfaces, extra play equipment and new line markings.
- Homework & reading expectations
Some parents asked for additional homework and explained that they felt the expectations were not high enough for pupils. Mrs Smith explained that the impact of homework is low. A recent report from the Teaching Schools Council explained that…
The report also found that homework had a “very limited impact” on achievement for primary pupils, with some evidence suggesting it actually had a negative impact on progress.
- Learning Challenge
- Mrs Smith explained the expectations for the Learning Challenge. Teacher guide to how to enrich for parents. Should take approx 6 weeks to complete. Would be celebrated in school but it is not compulsory.
- Daily activities
- Mrs Smith clarified that there is an expectation that all pupils will…
- Read for 15mins
- Practise their spellings for 15mins
- Revise their times tables or number bonds for 15mins
- This means there is a 45min per night expectation for homework
- Parent View Survey
- Feedback on the response during inspection
- Mrs Smith extended her thanks to those parents who had taken the time to complete the Parent View survey. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and inspectors had made particular mention of it in their report.
- Parent information - online safety
- Mrs Smith pointed out the new Online Safety feature on the school website which has been provided to give guidance to parents. There are links to safety advice sites from Google and YouTube. In the Spring term our Digital Leaders will be running workshops for parents.
- Any questions
Parents asked about the Tracker Cards and certificates. Mrs Smith explained that the Trackers are for pupils to record moments where they have done a piece of work that is exceptional for them. They will then be able to collect certificates and prizes as they journey from Bronze to Star. One parent questioned if this meant some would get more awards than others, but it was explained that the work was based on the child’s own level of typical performance, it was not a competition. Overall parents stated that they were happy with the significant increase to the volume of awards and recognition of the pupils efforts. - Date of next meeting
