Letter this week and going forward
Ofsted
We have received our final report today and are proud of the way it recognises the hard work we do as a school and community for our children. We are lucky to have the best children in the world attending the school and this report celebrates this.
I am pleased it recognise our caring side, as this gives pupils the best foundation in life.
Highlights include:
Donnington Wood Juniors is a caring school. It is a place where pupils develop close friendships and are kind to each other. Pupils understand the importance of perseverance and maintaining hope when things become challenging. Parents know that their children are happy and safe. Many are grateful for the support they receive when they need help.
The school has worked effectively to raise expectations of what pupils can achieve. There is further work to do to ensure that this is the case, but leaders, supported by a dedicated team, now know exactly how to achieve this.
Pupils behave well and know the importance of good listening and showing respect. They understand what bullying is and feel confident that trusted adults will help should they feel threatened. Pupils recognise that everybody is different and that this should be celebrated. They welcome those who arrive new to the school and make sure that they feel included and safe.
Pupils understand the importance of positive mental and physical health. The school makes good use of technology to support pupils’ understanding of the wider world and to access learning beyond the classroom. They love exploring ancient civilisations through virtual reality and enjoy a range of educational trips and visits.
| The quality of education | Requires improvement |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
The targets highlight the fact that we had already identified and taken action on:
- Early Writing is around those basics, especially handwriting, please help your child practice at home.
- Maths reasoning is to apply their learning, such as using their times tables.
- The Special need (SEND) focus is on making further adaptions for pupils who need them. The feedback was particular set around those who are newly identified/arrived with changing needs, and although these adaptions have started, we need to continue to look for further opportunities and support. Our SEND provision is highly regarded by the LA and families, but the national issue around funding and provision continues to reduce some opportunities to fully get he help our pupils need (such as BeeU access and external support). Please see national news around this issue. Special educational needs system has burst, headteacher warns – BBC News
You will see more work on this over the year.
I also want to celebrate that SIAMS stated:
The Christian vision is made real through the core values of hope, friendship and perseverance. These have a profound and positive impact on how pupils and adults flourish in their personal growth.
Care for more vulnerable pupils and their families is exemplary and inspired by Christian teachings. The school is a safe haven for those who face challenges in their lives and learning.
The curriculum is creative and inspiring. As a result, pupils grow in hope and aspire to a bright future.
Relationships across the school are warm and trusting. The Christian vision and values are a lived reality so that behaviour is excellent. New pupils are readily integrated and part of the extended family that is Donnington.
As headteacher of the school, I am immensely proud of these achievements, it is never an easy job, but I thank you all for your support and dedication. We flourish together. Thank you.
Mr Fox
Christmas concerts
Christmas production: ‘Children of the World’ (One of our favourites)
Tuesday 10th December 10:30- 11:30 Dress Rehearsal Family Friendly production
Wednesday 11th December 3.00-4.00pm (gates close at 2:55) PUPILS TO STAY AT SCHOOL.
Thursday 12th December 1.00-2.00pm (gates Close at 12:55)
Due to high demand, we will operate a ticket only event. We will initially limit this to two tickets per family over the three shows. There will be one adult and two children tickets available for the dress rehearsal (see below). Once we know expected numbers, we may be able to offer more.
Dress Rehearsal viewing -Tuesday 10th December
We will be running a family friendly viewing of the final dress rehearsal on Tuesday 10th December at 10.30am (gates close at 10:25). Every year we invite Year 2 classes from the Infant School to come and watch at this time. Although a last rehearsal (with mistakes and nerves to sort out!) it will still have all the razzmatazz of the main production but there will be more space for little ones. We recommend this one for anyone with younger children as there will be more space around the hall for pushchairs and buggies and it is an earlier performance.
On the Wednesday afternoon (11th) children will stay at school for the performance at 3.00pm. We need all children to stay and attend the production. We realise this clashes with the infant closing so advise parent who need to collect form infant to come to the Tuesday or Thursday production.
Once the show finishes, pupils can be collected from the hall if you have attended, or from the front office at 4.00pm. Children who walk home in Years 5 and 6 may walk home if you feel it is safe for your child to do so.
On Thursday 12th children not collected at the end of the show will finish normally for home at 2.55pm
Please note – The shows must start on time (see above times)- and late comers (5 minutes before) will not be let in, the office will not be manned. Gates will open 20 minutes before. Please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
We will ask for help with providing a costume for your child over the next few weeks if necessary. Many costumes are supplied from our Christmas stock.
Auditions: parent always ask if different children can lead, and all children who want a speaking part are auditioned, and we endeavour to give all a role to all, but not all pupils want to lead the concert. Every child in the school plays their role, from dancing, speaking and technical.
Tickets will be out this week on Parent Pay
Snow this week
Thank you all for your support this week with the bad weather. It is never easy to shut the school, but the safety of pupils and staff always comes first.
Donnington Wood Church of England Junior School 