Governors Annual Statement
Governors’ Annual Statement 2017-18
As a Governing Body, we are immensely proud of the continued progress the school continues to make and the fact that this has been recognised by the visit from OFSTED this year. Quotes from the report such as ‘The school is highly inclusive, and its successes demonstrate your belief in equality of opportunity’ and ‘you have ensured that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education’ reflect the hard work put in by everyone involved with the school in ensuring it continues to provide for the wellbeing of the whole child.
Our primary focus this year has been on supporting the Headteacher and his staff in continuing to raise standards in writing, and referencing the changes that have been made to achieve those goals. The results of this hard work from the teachers, teaching assistants and children are evident in the assessment data and reflect continued progress. We continue to be extremely impressed by all the hard work the children put into their writing, which can be seen proudly on display around the school.
Another area of focus this year has been to review the transition between EYFS and Key Stage One. For those children moving from the early years environment of Ducklings Class into the Key Stage One, National Curriculum driven Goslings Class was proving tricky for an increasing number of children. The Headteacher working alongside the teachers in Ducklings and Goslings Classes were able to review and amend practice which was evaluated by the Governing Body with pleasing results again achieved, a significantly larger percentage of Year One pupils achieving expected standards by the end of their first year in Key Stage One.
We are committed to not only providing fantastic learning experiences for the children, but also a fabulous environment for them to learn in and with this in mind, as the year progressed, we supported the Headteacher in the planning stages of the school expansion project which it will embark on next year. We look forward to monitoring the school expansion as it progresses, ready for a 1.5 form entry in September 2019.
As governors, we meet regularly with school leaders, scrutinise assessment data, observe the children's attitude to learning, and monitor improvement plans, and it is clear to the governors that the school continues to advance and excel. We receive subject progress summaries from each member of staff to enable staff and governors to discuss plans, actions and interventions. We also analyse pupil premium funding and accountability.
We would like to thank all of the parents, guardians, family and friends of Priestley that have helped at school events for the children. Another fantastic representation at this year’s Calne Summer Festival! We would like to thank the Headteacher and senior leadership team for managing the school so effectively, and a big thank you to all staff for the support they give to each individual child, and their continued commitment and determination. Above all else, we would like to congratulate the children of Priestley for all their hard work and the progress they’ve made this year. PRIESTLEY & PROUD!