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Headteacher Report to Governors

Summer Term 2019

This School Improvement Plan was taken to the Full Governing Body on 4th

December 2018 – plan was agreed and ratified

Overall strategic priorities remain in line with Ofsted

and Section 48 See Priorities 1 – 6

Subject/Aspect Action Plans link to strategic priorities

outlining operational actions to be taken during 2018-19

Priority 1: Religious Education and Catholic Life of the School

1a Religious Education

Prepare for Section 48 Inspection

Fully review, update and embed RE Handbook, RE Policy and Worship Policy √

Embed expected standards for whole school T&L of RE – to ensure minimum

standard of ‘at least’ Good with improving % of Outstanding teaching√

During final year of RE Levels of Attainment – begin to introduce new levels for RE

Assessment – advice from DOW√

Continue to develop use of current assessment using sub levels to support teachers

understanding of what makes a level – continue to collaborate and moderate with

other schools to develop teacher knowledge – if appropriate√

Develop and embed effective use of Higher Order Thinking (HOT) to challenge and

support differentiation √

Further develop use of RE Working Walls – whole school approach√

Develop creativity and use of teaching through the use of creative arts, design and

technology, drama, music and other curriculum areas√

Continue to strengthen links between RE, SMSC, Pupil Voice and Rights Respecting

Schools initiative√

Develop the in- school system of assessing attainment and progress in RE – to

support effective analysis of data to enable targeted teaching and support√

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1b The Catholic Life of the School

Continue to develop the use of music in worship and in Mass√

Fundraising – continue sustained projects nationally and internationally√

To support the initiative and pilgrimage of Adoremus – linking with parish priest

e.g. opportunities for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, liturgies, processions,

class liturgies, focused assemblies – see termly worship planner √

To continue to strengthen pray life and reflection time across the school (CPD) –

linking closely with parish priest as Link Governor√

Priority 2: The Effectiveness of leadership and Management

To establish agreed governor’s working party to further explore Academy

conversion or potential of joining Teaching Alliance/Hubs√

To more effectively market the schools successes and strive to increase the

numbers of pupils on roll despite falling rolls in WCC √

To develop and strengthen capacity in new governing body – under new Chair of

Governors√

To develop and strengthen capacity in new SMT team – whilst building on capacity

from middle/emerging leaders√

To continue to develop an agreed cycle of governor’s agenda coverage, policy

reviews and clear understanding of link governor roles√

SMT/SLT and Governors Awayday for Spring/Summer 2019√

To continue to embed and further develop policies to support procedures and

processes across the school for teaching and learning, governance, administration

(particular focus on non-statutory policies) √

Fully embed the FROG assessment system using NC criteria and ensure Yr 2 and 6

Frameworks are securely used and worked towards to enable consistent outcomes√

Establish wellbeing action plan/policy√

Priority 3: The quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Embed high quality teaching of Computing – develop monitoring and assessment of

knowledge and skills (Yrs 1 – 6) √

Continue to focus and raise profile of teaching of science across the school √

Continue to prioritise specific subject timetabling for: Maths, Literacy, guided

reading, phonics and SPaG and handwriting√

Inclusion – develop specific policy for differentiation for SEN, G&T, EAL – CPD and

Insets to support (Educational Psychology Service) √

EYFS – continue to enhance curriculum expectations in order to aid effective

transition to KS1 √

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Develop policy, roles, responsibility and expectations of Attendance Review Panel

(to include SLT/Admin/Family Practitioner) √

MATHS: maintain scrutiny of maths lesson structures, strategies and use of

concrete materials and resources√

Whole school Maths Hub √

Sessions used to renew whole school Maths Policy√

WRITING: Review and update Literacy Handbook √

Develop end of year outcomes/expectations as a framework for teachers to work

towards – linking to progression of renewed Yr 2 and 6 frameworks√

Literacy – monitor teaching of writing in individual and sequences of lessons –

monitor progression over time√

Effective use of external providers to support families facing barriers to learning –

diminishing the difference√

Continue to develop creativity within the curriculum√

Priority 4: Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare

Ongoing insets to include Safeguarding (KCSIE 2018), Child Protection, Health and

Safety, Handbook training, Online Safety– staff to sign for accountability√

Develop effective playtime policies to improve play experiences√

Whole school review of: behaviour policy and use of behaviour sanctions and

targets, home school agreement, behaviour principles and strategies for supporting

positive behaviour√

To continue to further develop the role of the elected School Mayor, school

Councillors, prefects, monitors, play supporters and Mini Vinnies – SMSC and

Behaviour Policy√

Review medical register and Care Plan policies – liaise with school nurse√

Embed SRE Policy – see CES documents√

To develop whole school pastoral development plan√

4a Safeguarding

Relevant training for staff at all levels to be undertaken – additional Safer

Recruitment Level 6 and Level 4 Safeguarding and CP undertaken annually by SMT√

DLT and Link Governor to undertake audit and review of SCR and HR procedures –

and review related policies – SMT to regularly review the SCR and record checks√

Further develop pupil experience/knowledge of First Aid, Road Safety, Online

Safety and Personal Safety/Awareness√

To undertake a full review of the school site with external agent in regard to

effective planning for emergency evacuation/lockdown procedures√

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Priority 5: Outcomes for Children

To continue to embed the assessment for Emerging, Developing, and Secure at each

Phase (Year) through moderation – with local schools – in cluster√

Use Year 2 and 6 national framework for assessment as benchmarks for KPIs in

FROG√

HOT to support all learners√

To review the role of the Family Practitioner to maximise potential outcomes √

Via bid – aim for cleaner air quality around the school – Green Screens√

Continue to develop quality play experiences with focus on emotional wellbeing√

Continued focus on differentiated learning – meeting individual’s needs√

Continued whole school focus on increasing and accelerating attainment in Maths,

Phonics and SPaG – with a particular focus on low attainers and Pupil Premium

pupils√

Talk4Writing and Visual Literacy strategies to support development of Writing

which includes integrated teaching of phonics and SPaG – monitor progression over

time√

NW Maths Hub support – see Maths Action Plan√

To work towards ‘Gold’ Healthy Schools Status √

To work towards ‘Inclusion Mark’ and ‘ArtsMark’√

To raise profile of science throughout the school – ensure blocked weeks for

teaching units and additional science focussed experiences/visits are planned√

Priority 6: The environment and premises

See School Admin, Finance and School Building Action Plan Cont’ 2017-20

In addition to the School Improvement Plan (SIP) governors will be required to note the four-year strategic plan – see attached to SIP

(See Governors website login)

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Report on each of the key priorities for Summer 2019

Key Priorities

Religious Education and The Catholic Life of the School (1A & 1B) The school has enjoyed taking part in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage of Adoremus. The initiative

initiated and led by the Bishops of England and Wales has certainly made a mark on our school; which

I feel will have a lasting legacy. The spiritual journey we have made as a school this year has been

deeply moving and affirming to our Catholic mission. The beautiful artwork made by the children will

be kept on display in the school as part of the legacy. As a whole celebration of the year, five

children, Roisin O’Reilly Williams, Fr Michael and I attended the school’s diocesan celebration Mass on

18th June at Westminster Cathedral. Our school was chosen to present the Westminster Deanery

Adoremus folder which has been on display in the Cathedral. Also, two pieces of artwork from two

pupils at OLD were chosen as part of the display in the Cathedral – a great honour (please see pictures

below). I would like to take the opportunity to thank Father Michael in his support of our school,

having his presence in our school has been uplifting and restoring – we have been very blessed to have

him as our parish priest – thank you for being a big part of our family Father Michael.

As governors will know, the school underwent a Westminster Diocese Section 48 Inspection on 9th May

2019. The inspectors clearly recognised the wonderful work being undertaken in our community here

at OLD – Christ’s work in the inner cities. The inspectors agreed fully with our self-evaluation of the

school and awarded us with grades of Outstanding in seven out of nine categories. We are very proud

of our report, but recognise that we have continual work to do. Amanda Crowley, Deputy Director of

the Westminster CES has contacted us to provide feedback and also develop a support plan going

forward to ensure we strive towards fully outstanding status in teaching and learning of RE. I would

like to thank Elaine Arundell, our RE Advisor for her unending support – she has been so supportive in

developing our new teachers and for also supporting the Senior Leadership Team in the self-evaluation

process. I would like to formally thank Roisin O’Reilly for her excellent leadership of RE and know

that she will keep the subject close to her heart as Deputy going forward; even though she will be

passing on the baton of coordinator of RE to a colleague over the coming months. On behalf of the

whole community here at OLD, well done and thank you Roisin.

Adoremus - A Lasting Legacy

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The effectiveness of Leadership and Management (2)

The school has received ‘light touch’ support from the local authority over this past year. The school

improvement priorities have been the ongoing focus across all subject and aspect action plans. A

review of governance is a remaining strategic piece of work for autumn 2019. With the support of our

very experienced but new Chair of Governors at OLD during the past academic year, the governing

body has developed in efficiency, knowledge and skillset and also in light of receiving positive Ofsted

and Section 48 reports in the last eighteen months; I propose we look to setting a date for a

governance review.

An LA Governor support officer at Westminster or the LDBS is able to offer a full governance review – if

governors agree this piece of work for autumn 2019, I will be happy to go ahead and organise – linking

this to a potential Governors Away Day in the Spring term 2019; if agreed and committed to by the

governing board.

Due to less capacity and significant changes in staffing at SLT level in the school over the past year,

this has had an effect on SLT being able to organise additional activities such as a Governors Away

Day. If governors wish to undertake such a day, it would be useful to agree a potential date going

forward into the Spring term of 2020; after a full governance review has been undertaken – and when

we have received feedback. The review feedback will form the agenda for the day.

As previously stated, governors will know and understand that the school has had significant change in

leadership roles across the school over the past year. I feel that the school is about to enter a new

and exciting period of change; with a crop of new teachers, middle leaders and also less capacity at

the top end of the school. We are happy to announce that Roisin O’Reilly will be taking maternity

leave after the autumn half term 2019. Roisin is looking to take a significant period of time for

maternity leave, however, she will inform us of her intentions once her baby is born in the late autumn

term.

With the unexpected departure of Brianne Hill at the end of this academic year and with governor’s full

agreement and ratification at the final FGB meeting on 16th July 2019, Jacki Ubor will be stepping into

the role of Acting Assistant Head between 1st September and end of autumn half term 2019.

Thereafter and once again with the ratification of the governing board, Jacki Ubor will be stepping into

the temporary role of Acting Deputy Head to cover Roisin O’Reilly-Williams’ maternity leave.

Having received advice on this matter from HR Deputy Director at the CES, Mike Pittendreigh; we have

been advised that a non-Catholic teacher can be appointed in an ‘Acting Deputy’ capacity;

however, not in a substantive capacity.

Mike Pittendreigh stressed that the school needs to ensure full operational functions are in place,

and therefore the CES recognises that a non-Catholic teacher in an Acting capacity is the best solution

to potential absence of Catholic Leaders at Deputy and Head level.

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Please see the attached proposed Staffing Structure that was put forward as part of the preparation of

the 2019-20 budget. This staffing structure will require governor’s full approval and will need to be

recorded in the final FGB meeting of the 2018-19 academic year – in preparation for the next academic

year. Small changes to the staffing structure will include the earlier return from maternity leave of

Siobhan Morgan. Siobhan will be taking on the roles of EYFS Coordinator and SENCo, jointly, three

days per week. Siobhan will receive handovers from Brianne Hill and Roisin O’Reilly Williams

separately to ensure continuity of service and provision.

The quality of teaching, Learning and Assessment (3)

As you know, we had a very successful Ofsted in February 2018. However, the areas for ongoing

improvement were identified as:

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance and Punctuality: Reported as of July 4th 2019

Overall school attendance for 2018-19 is 95.6%

27 pupils have 100% attendance

8 pupils have 100% attendance and no lates

Year’s 1, 2, and 3 have attendance above the target of 96%

Oak, Maple, Chestnut and Palm class have attendance above the target of 96%

A newly reformed Attendance Review Panel will be in place from September 2019 – governors

will receive updates and reports from school attendance officers.

GREATER DEPTH: The school continues to work on Greater Depth across all end of key stages and

end of year data. Please see headlines below for KS1 and KS2 teacher assessment and or national

data.

% CHILDREN ACHIEVING GREATER DEPTH AT THE END OF KS1 2018-19

SCHOOL 2018

SCHOOL 2019

NATIONAL Disadvantaged Other

READING 15% tbc tbc tbc tbc

WRITING 11% tbc

MATHS 11% tbc

RWM COMBINED

7% 18%

% CHILDREN ACHIEVING GREATER DEPTH AT THE END OF KS2 2018-19

SCHOOL 2018

SCHOOL 2019

NATIONAL Disadvantaged Other

READING 39% 27% tbc tbc tbc

WRITING 13% 8% “ “ “

MATHS 26% 35% “ “ “

SPAG 41%

Number on roll: 223

FSM: 22.08% (53 pupils)

Pupil Premium: 46% (110 pupils)

EAL: 43.33% (104 pupils) SEN: 20% Statements: 2.5% (6 pupils)

Music: Alex Kirk, music specialist teacher has been appointed to the post of Director of Music at

another school and therefore, sadly, will no longer be able to support our school with music. We will

endeavour to search for a pianist/music teacher for the autumn term.

PE: We can thankfully report that our PE Coach Yousef Akkourih has returned to full time work after

the summer half term holiday; after a period of convalescence from his knee operation.

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RE: Please see the RE Section 48 Inspection Report.

The following subject coordinators will be reporting on action planning to the governing body via the

Curriculum Committee in the autumn 2019 term: Literacy, Maths, SEND, EYFS

Governors need to be aware of the changes to the Ofsted inspection framework from September 2019.

A workshop/presentation will be given to governors during the autumn or early spring term 2020 to

ensure all governors are clear on the new expectations.

The following have been focus areas over the Summer 2019 term:

APRIL

3rd April 2019 - KS1 Lent Charity Bake Sale

3rd April 2019 - EYFS Easter Bonnet parade

4th April 2019 - Stations of the Cross Assembly

5th April 2019 – Break up for Easter Holiday

24th April 2019 - School re-open after Easter Break

29th April 2019 - Reception Fire station visit to Paddington Fire station

MAY

3rd May 2019 - Reception class Assembly

6th May 2019 - May Day - Public Holiday- School closed

7th May 2019 - Fire Station visit for Nursery

9th May 2019 - RE Section 48 Inspection - Diocese of Westminster

16th May 2019 - Parents Coffee Morning 16th May 9am 10.30am- Housing and Employment advice

24th May 2019 - Break up for Half Term

24th May 2019 - Nursery Class Assembly

24th May 2019 - Fire safety workshop for yr 2 and year 5

JUNE

3rd June 2019 - School re-opens after half term

7th June 2019 - Pentecost Assembly

10th June 2019 - School Photos Monday 10th June - Group photographs

10th June 2019 - Parents meeting for School Journey to PGL Isle of Wight

11th June 2019 - Drama 4 All sessions for EYFS and KS1

12th June 2019 - Nursery Meeting for new nursery parents

12th June 2019 - Science Museum Trip for Olive and Mulberry class

13th June 2019 - Reception Meeting for new reception parents/carers

14th June 2019 - Launch of maths week

14th June 2019 - Soccer Aid for Unicef Playground Challenge

14th June 2019 - Parents meeting for School Journey to PGL Isle of Wight

18th June 2019 - Adoremus Mass at the Cathedral

19th June 2019 - Year 5 trip to Life of Christ at Wintershall Cathedral

21st June 2019 - All classes to present end of maths/money week Assembly

25th June 2019 - Memory book Photos for Y6

26th June 2019 - Willow class/ Year 3 and 4 trip to the V&A museum

28th June 2019 - SPORTS DAY - @ Academy Sports Centre,

JULY

1st July 2019 - Year 6 trip to the Tate Modern Gallery

2nd July 2019 - Year 5 visit to St.Georges RC School, Maida Vale

4th July 2019 - Year 6 trip to the The RAF museum

4th July 2019 - Tri golf competition at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

5th July 2019 - Year 6 Trip to Tower Bridge

5th July 2019 - Year 3/4 trip to the St.Mary Magdalene's Community space

8th July 2019 - Year 6 trip to the Bank of England

9th July 2019 - Reception Class Graduation Day

10th July 2019 - Year 6 Good Samaritan Mass at the Cathedral

10th July 2019 - Maple Class trip to the V&A museum

10th July 2019 - KSI trip to The Princess Diana Memorial Playground - Kensington Gardens

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11th July 2019 - Leavers Mass for year 6 pupils

12th July 2019 - Year 6 Leavers Assembly

15th July 2019 - Year 6 School Journey 15th - 19th July

16th July 2019 - Meet the teacher afternoon - the children get to meet their new class teachers

18th July 2019 - School Finishes for the Summer Holidays

19th July 2019 - Staff Inset Day – preparation for autumn term 2019

School re-opens for the Autumn term on Wednesday 4th September 2019

Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare (4)

We have recently completed the process of creating an up to date prospectus for the school. A copy

of the new school prospectus can be found electronically on the school website at: OLD Prospectus and

governors will receive a hard copy at the final FGB meeting.

The procurement process for the new school meals contract from April 2020 is well under way. A

number of potential contractors visited the school last week to look at the current provision, resources

available, accessibility etc. Graham Miles from Litmus continues to lead and oversea the process on

behalf of the North Cluster of Westminster schools. Graham will be feeding back to the cluster after

the summer holidays.

We have confirmed the increase of hours for our Art Therapist with the Catholic Children’s Society.

As previously reported, we have had a significant rise in need for support and feel this has become a

priority resource. Mental health and well-being in the community is a critical point and children’s

services and provisions have been eroded. To support the growing needs of our community we are

looking to take part in a mental health pilot for inner London schools – which focuses on the ‘first aid’

aspect of mental health. Tina Horner’s annual report will be available for governors to read in

September.

The school will no longer be continuing with the role of the family Practitioner service. The

administration team of the school has increased in capacity due to training over this past year, we feel

that the newly formed ‘Attendance Panel’ will support the attendance initiatives of the school. The

school is currently reviewing the Attendance Policy – committees will receive a copy at the first

meeting of the autumn term.

I would like to advise governors that will need to consider the potential use of ‘Penalty Notices’ in the

new academic year. A large proportion of our absences apart from illness is due to in term time

holidays. We currently do not authorise ANY holidays. However, parents are not discouraged by a

non-authorisation and continue to take their child/ren away on holiday. I propose a discussion to

begin using penalty notices is added as an agenda item for the autumn term.

Due to serious cases of SEN and potential mental health issues across year groups, the school is

proposing to develop a room for the use of ‘calming’ or to be used as a ‘break out’ room. The room

will be named the ‘Rainbow Room’. The room will be refurnished and organised to support children in

order to decrease their anxiety and stress. The room can also be used to support learners who

struggle to develop a positive learning disposition.

Outcomes for Children (5)

Brianne Hill, Jacki Ubor, Roisin O’Reilly Williams and Sarah Alley to jointly present a summary of the the following at the FGB:

EYFS Good Level of Development (GLD):

60% (9/15) of Reception pupils reached GLD.

40% (6/15) of Reception pupils did not reach GLD due to 2 x SEND pupils, 2 x EAL pupils, 60%

of the class summer born.

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KS1 – Year 1 Phonics Screening:

81.5% of Year 1 pupils achieved the KS1 Phonics Screening pass mark or higher.

2 pupils were dis-applied from the KS1 Phonics Screening and could not access the test (this

impacts the original score of 88%).

KS1 – Year 2 Teacher Assessment:

86.4% of Year 2 pupils are working at or above age related expectations in combined Reading,

Writing and Maths.

90% of Year 2 pupils are working at or above age related expectations in Science.

18% of Year 2 pupils are working above age related expectations (combined Greater Depth) in

Reading, Writing and Maths.

KS1 – Year 2 SATs Results:

95.5% of Year 2 pupils achieved at or above age related expectations in the Reading SATs

paper.

95.5% of Year 2 pupils achieved at or above age related expectations in the Maths SATs paper.

KS2 – Year 6 Assessment:

83.8% of Year 6 pupils are working at or above age related expectations in Writing.

8% of Year 6 pupils are working above age related expectations (Greater Depth) in Writing.

91.9% of Year 6 pupils are working at or above age related expectations in Science.

KS2 – Year 6 SATs Results:

Please see attached table for SATs results

The environment and premises (6)

Our Site Manager Brian Soobrayen and Consultant SBM Andrew Hutton are currently liaising to ensure

improvement works and maintenance are completed for: CCTV in and around the school site, updating

of intruder alarm system, Lockdown procedures. The funding for these works will be taken from the

school’s DFC Capital allocation and not the school’s main budget.

In the autumn term, Andrew Hutton alongside Brian Soobrayen will be undertaking a Health and Safety

review of the school site. The schools Health and Safety action plan will be updated and presented

alongside the Administration and Business Action Plan to the Resources Committee in the autumn

term.

In relation to the current Asbestos Action Plan, the school will be looking to have the remaining

asbestos; identified in the recent asbestos report, removed in line with AMAP guidance. Sarah Alley to

liaise with the diocese on works and funding from DFC allocation.

Summer works: The school does not have significant planned summer works this year. However,

general maintenance, floor covering, corridor repainting, playground seating and LKS2 electrical works

will be undertaken.

Notice of Staff Leavers:

Brianne Hill will be leaving our school after five years of service at OLD. Brianne has taken a decision

to return home to her family in Australia with her husband. We want to thank Bri for her commitment

to the children and their families. She has been central to great improvements in the EYFS over the

past five years and she has been an inspiration to other young teachers. Bri will be very missed by

her family here at OLD, however, we wish her every success as she resettles back in Perth from

August. We hope Bri will stay in touch.

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Sean Corry will be leaving us at the end of the summer term. Sean will have served the school for

two years as Year 5 teacher and specialist IT Computing teacher. Sean and his fiancé are to be

married in August and will be moving home to Ireland to start a new life in Cork. I wish to thank Sean

for his innovative teaching of Computing and also his support of the staff in developing their skills – he

has much patience! We wish him much luck in his future career back home in Ireland.

Return from Maternity Leave

Siobhan Morgan, our current Nursery teacher will be returning from maternity leave on 15th July

2019. Siobhan will be returning to take on the roles of EYFS Coordinator and SENCo three days per

week.

Notice of Staff joiners:

Emily Rowland will be joining the school as Year 2 teacher from September 2019. Emily has four

years teaching experience and has previously coordinated and taught across year groups for

Computing/IT in her previous school. Emily is a Primary RE Specialist who trained at Roehampton

University. Emily will be looking to take over as RE Coordinator in the autumn term; undertaking a

half term handover with Roisin O’Reilly Williams as she prepares to go on maternity leave.

Emily Ashurst will be joining the school as Year 5 teacher from September 2019. Emily is about to

embark on her third year of teaching. Emily is New Zealand trained and experienced across a range of

year groups. Emily has specialism in coaching and mentoring children with social and emotional

needs. Emily is also a highly trained classical singer with a deep love for music.

Please see the Calendar dates on the school website for details of in-school activities and events during the upcoming autumn term 2019.

School will close for the summer holidays on Thursday 18th July 2019. The school

will re-open for the autumn term 2019-20 on Wednesday 4th September 2019

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Another year of fun learning at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary School

And finally, great sporting news!

A big well done and congratulations to our Bronze Medallists at the London Youth

Games at Crystal Palace on Thursday 4th July! Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Primary school won their place in the championships at Crystal Palace to represent

Westminster in the Tri-Golf event. We are so very proud of our pupils! We were up against ALL London boroughs - what an achievement!