We recently had a productive visit from Marie Newman, our School Improvement Partner, focusing on enhancing our teaching pedagogies, particularly our use of dialogue and learning having meaning to all children. During the visit, we set three key priorities for the school which are in line with our School Improvement Plan (click here). The priorities are:

1. To ensure there is consistently high quality teaching and learning across the school.
2. To review the whole school curriculum to ensure that there is clear sequencing and progression and that the curriculum meets the needs of the pupils in the school.
3. To develop the well-being offer to provide the best support to pupils, families and staff.

During the visit, she conducted a learning walk (focused on the quality of discussions) and below are the highlights of what was seen from around the school:

• Whilst behaviour was not a key focus on the learning walk, it was clear that the behaviour of pupils was exceptional in every class visited. This was supported by adult’s positive reinforcement and clear expectations. Routines are clear and embedded.
• Teachers and pupils are clear about what they are learning and why they are learning it, and therefore share a common goal and purpose.
• Across the school, pupils were confident to answer questions and this was the case when teachers chose them to answer, regardless of whether they were actively volunteering an answer.
• Pupils were articulate in their answers and made their points and explanations clearly.
• Pupils were encouraged to explore differences of opinion and give arguments to support their ideas.
• Pupils show good listening skills and engagement when others are talking in whole class instruction and in paired discussion.
• Lunchtime for the nursery provides a rich opportunity for staff to model and to engage pupils in conversation to support their social, emotional, language and communication development.

We are committed to fine-tuning our teaching techniques and continue our journey towards outstanding.