Ofsted Inspection and Parent View

It is five years this month since our last Ofsted inspection, and as you would probably expect if you follow reports in the media, schools become somewhat nervous around this time as we want to show off all the good things we do for our children.  The Parent View survey is one way we can listen to parents and affect change if necessary.

Presently, there are only a handful of replies to our 10-minute Parent View questionnaire which cannot give us useful information.  Please support us in completing this as it helps us review our practice. 

https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/

Safe Practices in School

On one level, schools exist to teach children how to read and write and gain knowledge and skills in a number of areas.  Likewise, they are to prepare children for the wider world of work.  These are both true but the school is much more than that.  It can never be merely functional but formative.  We have the privilege of nurturing young people to become the best they are.  St Joseph’s Catholic primary exists to develop each child academically, emotionally, physically, morally, spiritually and socially. We look to the flourishment of each child, made in the image and likeness of God. 

Behind the taught and experienced curriculum, lies an organisation which constantly works at being conducive to learning in its widest sense. Systems and processes are developed to maximise the learning environment and underlying all this must be a site that first ensures the safety and wellbeing of all. 

We regularly report on learning and experiences that take place in and out of school via the newsletter and social media.  But alongside this is work aimed at keeping all safe. 

Safeguarding is often referenced in relation to protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online.  But it covers a much wider remit: child protection, policies, governance, health and safety, buildings, SEND, e-safety, curriculum, training, attendance and punctuality. 

In relation to buildings, you will have noticed the Heras fencing in the car park outside some of our classes.  In future weeks you will see a new electronic fence along the front of school.  We regularly have contractors in school to monitor water temperatures, to check fire safety, to inspect equipment.  Last week during the severe weather, Mr Eckersley used 26 bags of grit to reduce the danger of falling on icy paths.  This figure was twice the number of bags used last year.  On Wednesday, I led an assembly on anaphylaxis as several of our children have severe allergies and are at risk of anaphylaxis and later that evening, staff stayed for annual first aid training. 

Just as your work place is probably designed and maintained to optimise productivity, the running of St Joseph’s is aimed at the flourishment of our children with systems and protocols maintained to support that good work.