1.+CHARACTERISTICS+OF+YOUR+SCHOOL

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1. CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR SCHOOL
What are the main characteristics of your school? Drawing on Section B and C of this form and other relevant data, write a brief description of its features. (Please note that this is an opportunity for a brief summary of the main characteristics of the school and it is not necessary to repeat tables of data.)

1a Please outline the main characteristics of the learners, including:
//- their attainment on entry and how you know this;// //- their social and economic backgrounds, indicating the level of prosperity or deprivation.//

We are a welcoming and caring school that promotes a strong team approach to raising standards. The staff are friendly and committed professionals who promote the school ethos of enjoyment and excellence.
 * School Population**
 * Recognized as being in an area of social/economic deprivation.
 * High % of pupils from manual backgrounds with four professional families. Two professional families live out of catchment. (LEA Performance Handbook).
 * Many female carers work in part-time low paid work which takes them off Free School Meals.
 * High number of children enter Foundation 1 with speech/language difficulties. Failure to attend speech therapy support a regular feature.
 * Each year significant number of pupils admitted with behaviour problems.
 * Pupils generally given very few educational experiences by the family leading to poor knowledge and understanding.
 * Many come from households where literacy experiences are minimal.
 * School situated in area lacking cultural opportunities.
 * Ward profile shows the electoral ward to be in the most deprived areas of the country see Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy document).
 * Ofsted recognized the above criteria had significant impact on the learning in school (October 2004).
 * Below average numbers on SEN register but School Action and Action Plus form well below national expectation.

features of your school, for example:
//- whether you intend to become a specialist school, or school with special status, and if// //it is one already, the main changes that have occurred because of this;// //- whether you are a school with a religious character;// //- any special units, additional community services or extended provision;// //- significant partnerships with other providers or agencies (such as shared arrangements// //for the curriculum, federal arrangements, or partnerships with employers).//


 * School on the national pilot project for Extended Schools Project April 2005-2006.
 * SLICT Host School for NCSL.
 * New ICT mark awarded January 2006.
 * School awarded Particularly Successful Award December 2005.
 * Family of Schools on inaugural roll out of Extended Schools January 2006.nclusive ethos ensures all pupils given full access to curriculum.
 * Involved in Learning Network with five other Notts Primary Schools on improving literacy for below average pupils

to raising performance, for example:
//- any difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, or governors;// //- recent or impending reorganisation;// //- mobility of learners;// //- particularly important facts in your recent history, such as change of leadership.//


 * Retirement of long serving Deputy Head July 2005 led to total remodelling of teaching staff.
 * School’s rise in popularity over recent years has ensured high numbers on roll and positive budget allocations.
 * Assessment data shows pupil admissions to school at other than usual points of admission tend to low end of Keystage results in most cohorts.
 * Lack of space can inhibit certain curriculum activities e.g. indoor PE, music. Site approximately 8,500 square metres. Recommended size for 420 pupils 17,000 square metres.
 * Wide variety of after school clubs attended by up to 150 children per week, many delivered by outside providers.
 * May 2005 school began allotment project aimed at enterprise, healthy lifestyle and community access.

particularly like to draw to the attention of an inspection team.

 * Three Advance Skills Teachers play a major role in maintaining high standards of teaching.
 * New Senior Management Team have a wide range of skills and experience which cover most areas of school life.
 * Continued employment of own Sports Development Officer shows commitment to improving high quality and broad sports experience.
 * Strong links with Surestart, Sutton Community College, Trent University, FE colleges and local primary schools. Many former students and parents enrol on courses and take up placements with us.

plan, and how they reflect the context in which you work.

 * To further improve standards in literacy by improving the quality of feedback to pupils especially in writing.
 * To further improve standards in numeracy by improving rapid recall of number facts.
 * To develop role parents play in education of their children through Extended Schools Project.
 * To improve facilities for ICT through refurbishment of ICT suite.
 * To target identified SEN pupils with use of Brain Gym.
 * School needs to reduce number of pupils achieving below 2C in literacy at Keystage
 * One and below Level 3 at Keystage Two without having a negative impact on higher achieving pupils.
 * To give pupils a more formal opportunity to offer ideas and views for school improvement.