Annual Statement 2015/2016

 I am pleased to report that the reduction in size of the Governing Body (GB) following it’s re-constitution in June 2015 has been successful.

In light of this change the GB conducted a Review of Governance which included an Action Plan. The Governing Body and Headteacher agreed a series of targeted Governor school visits to oversee and report back on specific areas of primary importance. These covered various school activities with the feedback being shared at the two Sub-Committees; Resource Management and Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. The  areas covered included; Maths Improvement, Safeguarding and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability Audits), Early Years Learning, Lunchtime Supervision, Pupil Premium Strategy and general behaviours for learning to name just a few. Governors also took part in associated Learning Walks.

In 2016/2017 there will be a new schedule of targeted Governor visits and attendance at school and community associated events.

Results this year highlight how the school has successfully navigated another educational year, leaving the school equally well placed to meet the challenges of 2016/17.  The integrity, fabric and educational achievements at the school all remain open, accountable and strong, with the extra bonus of visitors going out of their way to comment on the good behaviour and politeness of the children.

Achievement and school attendance go hand in hand. The school will continue to promote the importance of good attendance. In the school year 2015/2016 the attendance was 96.6%.

Pupils, staff and parents are to be congratulated on this year’s SAT’s results. In Year 1 the school’s Phonics Screening Test received the best ever pass rate for the school at 93%. Continuing examination and reviews shows that the overall rating of the school continues to be good.  As always the school and GB will continue to push towards the next level.

Particular attention continues to be paid to the Pupil Premium Strategy – how the money is spent, allocated, monitored and most importantly the outcomes for pupils. Sports funding continues to be monitored and how this is spent to impact on the pupil’s physical wellbeing.

Together with the PTA the Governing Body continues to support the school in its efforts to provide the best possible educational environment for the pupils and staff. The school is fortunate in having an extremely well organised and active PTA than can always be relied upon to step in when school funds are stretched.

The relationship between the school and Breaston Parish Council continues to be one of shared values and interest, a typical example being the Queen’s 90th Celebration where the Parish Council and the school PTA funded the presentation of a commemorative coin to all of the pupils.

The GB is totally supportive of the school’s continuing ability to find ways of funding projects that enhance the quality of education, care and enjoyment of the pupils and at the same time improve life and facilities for the teaching and support staff.

This year has seen the completion of the kitchen re-fit together with new seating and eating arrangements. A new, larger Staff Room on the first floor of the old building, allowing conversion of the old one to an additional general resource facility/room. New flooring and carpeting has been laid in the library area and Year 5 classrooms.  Artificial grass has been added to the outdoor learning area for Reception.

Plans for this year include updating the Networking/Wireless infrastructure to accommodate increased usage and traffic to ensure that the school can move forward with purchasing the PTA funded IPads. The installation of additional external storage and further improvements to classrooms in the old school buildings are scheduled. Also being considered is a net on the ball court.

The GB is very aware of the social challenges that the children face and the teaching and financial demands in satisfying parental and government expectations. Great importance is placed on the pupil’s health and safety in and out of school and Staff and Governors have recently attended Online Safeguarding Training, as well as keeping up to date with Safeguarding policy changes.

The school moves into the new year with a fully (over) subscribed number of children in the Reception Classes proof yet again of the school’s reputation and popularity. I believe that all the pupils at Firfield are provided with the opportunity to receive the best academic and sociable experience possible in preparing them for the next stage of their life and education.

The school and Governing Body will continue to support and promote the teaching of British Values and what it means to up-hold such values in encouraging the pupils to be good and purposeful citizens of the future.

The Governing Body remain totally supportive of  the Headteacher  and all the staff and are equally reassured with the positive relationship that exists between the school and  Derbyshire Education Authority.

 

Graham Robertson – Chair of Governors.