Annual Report to Parents from the Governing Body 2025-26
Dear Parents and Carers,
As Governors, one of our key statutory responsibilities is to provide strategic leadership, hold school leaders to account for educational performance, oversee the school’s finances and ensure that pupils are safe, happy and able to achieve their potential. Throughout this year, governors have met regularly with school leaders, reviewed performance information, monitored key priorities and challenged leaders on the impact of improvement work.
We can also confirm that our Christian Values continue to drive and direct the work we do
We are pleased to share some of the key developments and achievements from this academic year.
Raising Standards in Reading, Writing and Mathematics
Improving outcomes for pupils remains the school’s highest priority. Governors have closely monitored progress against the school’s three-year improvement plan, which aims to increase the number of pupils achieving age-related expectations across Key Stage 2. Leaders have focused on strengthening curriculum planning, improving adaptive teaching and ensuring greater consistency in teaching and feedback across the school.
Governors have reviewed pupil progress data, questioned leaders about attainment and challenged the school to ensure that improvements in teaching translate into stronger pupil outcomes. Leaders have introduced new approaches to identifying gaps in learning so that support can be targeted more precisely to individual pupils’ needs. Governors have continued to monitor the impact of these actions throughout the year.
Developing High Quality Teaching
Governors have seen evidence that teaching practices are becoming increasingly consistent across the school. School monitoring shows that staff are working together to develop effective classroom strategies, improve lesson focus and respond more effectively to pupils’ needs. Leaders have continued to provide support and professional development to staff to strengthen teaching and learning across all year groups.
Governors have challenged leaders on how staff are supported and have ensured that professional development remains a priority as part of the school’s ongoing improvement work.
Behaviour, Wellbeing and Inclusion
Governors recognise that many pupils face barriers to learning and have therefore maintained a strong focus on behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion. School leaders reported improvements in behaviour across the school, with more pupils successfully learning within their classrooms and fewer requiring support outside lessons. Staff continue to promote the school’s values of being Ready, Respectful and Safe, while providing additional support and adaptations where needed.
We are particularly proud that the school received the Alex Timpson ARC Attachment Award in recognition of its work supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and attachment needs. This national recognition reflects the school’s commitment to ensuring children feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
Governors have also considered staff wellbeing, recognising the close relationship between staff wellbeing and high-quality education for pupils. A staff wellbeing survey has been commissioned to further support this work.
Enrichment and Wider Opportunities
Governors strongly believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Alongside improvements in academic outcomes, the school continues to provide opportunities that enrich pupils’ experiences and support their personal development.
Throughout the year, leaders have maintained a broad and balanced curriculum alongside wider opportunities that help pupils develop confidence, resilience, creativity and aspiration. Governors have been encouraged by discussions about further developing enrichment opportunities and ensuring all pupils can access memorable experiences beyond the classroom.
Through our discussions about the future direction of the school, governors explored opportunities to expand enrichment experiences further, including educational visits, sporting opportunities, cultural experiences and activities that help identify and nurture pupils’ talents and interests.
This is a key area in which we meet our Christian Values.
Governance and Accountability
This year the governing body has continued to strengthen its capacity and effectiveness. New governors have joined the board, bringing additional skills and expertise to support the school’s development. Governors have undertaken monitoring activities, reviewed attendance, challenged leaders about pupil outcomes and ensured that statutory responsibilities continue to be met.
Governors have also reviewed safeguarding arrangements, behaviour procedures and compliance requirements to ensure pupils remain safe and well supported. A new Safeguarding Link Governor has been appointed to further strengthen oversight in this area.
Looking Ahead
As governors, we recognise that there is still work to do to improve attainment further. We are encouraged by the increasing consistency in teaching and by the systems now in place to identify and address gaps in learning. Governors will continue to challenge and support school leaders to ensure that every child receives the highest quality education possible.
Our priorities for the coming year will be:
- Continuing to raise standards in reading, writing and mathematics.
- Further improving the quality and consistency of teaching.
- Expanding enrichment opportunities and wider curriculum experiences.
- Maintaining a strong focus on behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion.
- Supporting staff development and wellbeing so that pupils receive the very best educational experience.
On behalf of the Governing Body, thank you for your continued support of our school community. We remain committed to ensuring every child at Donnington Wood CE Junior School flourishes academically, socially and emotionally.
Mrs Kerry Debenham
Chair of Governors
Donnington Wood CE Junior School
